1st Edition

Surviving Domestic Abuse Formal and Informal Supports and Services

By Michele A. Finneran Copyright 2021
    132 Pages
    by Routledge

    132 Pages
    by Routledge

    Surviving Domestic Abuse examines how formal and informal supports and services can mitigate the damaging, and sometimes fatal, social cost of domestic violence. The book highlights victims’ perceptions of supports and lays a foundation for professionals and family members to effectively assist victims of domestic abuse.

    The book offers actionable recommendations and multiple-use cases to fill gaps in the understanding of the complexities that exist in domestic violence dynamics. Dr Finneran uses real-life interviews with victims to inform action and intervention for policy, strategy and decision-making for support and service providers including law enforcement, healthcare, social services and employers. Identification of successful supports and services can assist in preventing victims from returning to their abusive relationships, and the author provides real-life examples and a sounding board for the voices of real women who have endured domestic abuse.

    Spanning the gulf between research and practice, this is the ideal book for a range of professional communities including psychologists, social workers and healthcare professionals, and victims and survivors themselves. It’s also suitable for academics and researchers, and students taking domestic violence treatment and prevention courses.

    Introduction

    Section 1: Seeking Help

    Chapter 1: Seeking Help

    Section 2: Formal Supports

    Chapter 2: Law Enforcement

    Chapter 3: Mental Health/Social Services

    Chapter 4: Medical Staff and Clergy

    Chapter 5: Judicial System: Historical Overview and Where Are We Today?

    Section 3: Informal Supports

    Chapter 6: Family

    Chapter 7: Friends

    Chapter 8: Coworkers and Employers

    Chapter 9: Empowerment Model and Theory

    Epilogue

    Biography

    Michele A. Finneran, Ph.D., is a Clinical Psychotherapist with Vecc & Associates, LLC. She has a Ph.D. in Conflict Resolution/Dispute Analysis from Nova Southeastern University. Dr. Finneran is licensed to practice in the state of Florida and her research and experience focuses on the topic of domestic abuse populations. She also emphasizes thought and mood disorders, as well as psychological and emotional issues in her clinical, private practice.

    "Using the voices of the survivors themselves, Dr. Finneran highlights the complexities of seeking and receiving help for domestic violence. The reader is provided with a macro level view of the professional services that are currently available as well as a blueprint for improving our system of care. The reader is also left with a better understanding of how to offer informal support to those we know and love who may be affected by interpersonal violence." -Dr. Elena Welsh, Ph.D., Author of Trauma Survivors' Strategies for Healing: A Workbook to Help You Grow, Rebuild, and Take Back Your Life

    "Dr. Michele Finneran’s new book is a carefully crafted study of the role of formal and informal support for victims of domestic violence. One of the greatest tragedies in our families and communities is domestic violence. While domestic violence may start in the privacy of a home, it never remains there. Its impact bleeds out into the community, affecting neighborhoods, schools, and organizations. It requires the efforts of service providers, families, and friends to assist victims, yet too often lack of preparation and misinformation leave victims feeling misjudged, alone, and revictimized. Using the experiences and perspectives of domestic violence survivors regarding the services and support they received, Dr. Finneran provides important new information, recommendations, and approaches. Finally, we are hearing from survivors about what was helpful, what was not, and what they really needed. This is an important book filled with new hope and opportunities to make significant changes in how we serve and support those struggling with domestic violence. I highly recommend it!" -Judith McKay, J.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Conflict Resolution & Community Studies, Nova Southeastern University