Web resource:	https://www.amcservices.org.au
Type:	Report
Title:	Evaluation report : Polish Domestic Violence Support Group – "Before it’s too late"
Authors:	Szczepanska, Elizabeth
Keywords:	Counselling;CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse);Mental health
Year:	2005
Publisher:	Australian Polish Community Services Inc., Footscray
Notes:	This evaluation report looked at the Polish Domestic Violence Support Group project, Before It’s Too Late:, which was conducted between June and December 2004 in Victoria. It found that the format of the programme and the therapeutic interventions made a significant and positive impact on all participants by improving their emotional wellbeing and sense of safety and belonging, and reducing the fear of social rejection and stigma associated with being victims of domestic violence. The programme also increased awareness with regard to the impact of abuse on physical health. The group sessions were conducted over 9 weeks with an average of 8 women at each session. * The first introductory session included the bonding of group members, confidentiality and safety, definition of domestic violence and its various forms. * The second session looked at the impacts of emotional or psychological abuse on physical health, emotional wellbeing and relationships with significant others. * The third session covered legal issues, intervention orders, breaches and family law. * Session four addressed domestic violence and mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, alcohol and drug abuse. * The fifth session covered immigration law. * The sixth discussed the impact of domestic violence on children. * The seventh session examined survival strategies such as safety planning. * The eighth looked at self-care and self-esteem. * The last session was on closure and feedback. The majority of the 10 participants in the early self-evaluation questionnaire indicated either a poor or fair level of knowledge of domestic violence issues and the legal system, as well as low self-esteem, self-confidence, health and life satisfaction. However, at the end of the programme, all participants found their knowledge of domestic violence, self-confidence, self-esteem, life satisfaction and self-care had improved. Most of the women went on to make significant changes such as obtaining a driving licence, undertaking further studies, obtaining employment or undertaking self-development courses. Networks and friendships were formed. Recommendations are provided in the report.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/19256
ISBN:	09757681532
Physical description:	20 p. stapled on left side
Appears in Collections:	Reports

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