Intervention Goals

First, the code of silence must be broken about the abuse. This needs to be done in a manner that protects the self-esteem and safety of the student and the victim.

Second, the student needs to establish a safety plan as previously discussed.  

Third, the student and the victim need to learn that they were not at fault.  They need to understand that nothing they did caused the abuse and understand how the abuser used power and control to make them feel responsible.  The student needs to learn that his or her actions, feelings, and thoughts were in no way connected with the abuse.

Fourth, all members in the family need to learn that violence is not acceptable.  They need to be taught alternative strategies for expressing anger and how to resolve conflicts peacefully.

Fifth, students need to learn respectful ways of relating to others.  They need to learn how to respect others’ needs and feelings.  This is particularly true of adolescent males who have learned to degrade women.

Sixth and final, supportive adults need to dispel the myths about woman abuse to the student.  Without dispelling the myths and teaching new attitudes, the student will remain at risk for becoming involved in the cycle of domestic violence when he or she becomes an adult.