NCJ Number
208912
Journal
Family Violence & Sexual Assault Bulletin Volume: 20 Issue: 4 Dated: Winter 2004 Pages: 11-15
Date Published
2004
Length
5 pages
Annotation
In examining worker and victim issues in a rural domestic violence agency, this study relies on the experiences and observations of an undergraduate social-work student who completed her senior internship in the agency, as well as the literature on issues unique to rural domestic violence.
Abstract
The student found that the patriarchal attitudes and beliefs in the rural localities served by the agency (five-county area) created and maintained a culture and social structure that normalized the social control of and violence against women. The problems of rural domestic-violence victims are compounded by geographic and social isolation, which creates a private context in which men can exercise violent social control over women. This also puts the female victims at a disadvantage for obtaining services in rural areas. Agency workers and their families are at high risk of harassment and retaliation when they serve domestic-violence victims, since their phone numbers, place of residence, and the location of the safe house are often known in the community. Confidentiality between service providers and victims is also difficult to maintain. Further, rural poverty levels impact the availability of domestic-violence services, and funding may be allocated under formulas that favor urban areas. Working under tight budgets, workers experience stress as they may be required to perform multiple roles within the agency. Rural services for victims of domestic violence could receive increased acceptance and support in rural communities if the community were to be educated and made aware of the dynamics of domestic violence and its impact on victims and families. 13 references