Having produced the video package, a six month research project was conducted to assess its educational relevance. Twenty human services professional ‘presenters’ invited groups, colleagues, staff, students to view and comment on one of more of the videos. Their role included collecting 277 viewer questionnaires in urban and rural local government areas Home

throughout the Hunter Valley. In addition, a focus group of presenters was held in the fourth month of the research period.

Facts

The questionnaires and focus group feedback incorporated:
 

1. The content of video 3 and 4 needed to be modified. This has been achieved in line with the project goals and budget.

2. Presenter – focus group recommendation “ that all workers who deal with women, families, men, are to be trained with this package. It’s more about making people (workers) understand domestic violence” [It’s More Than Just Physical].

Future action is needed to ensure existing human service professionals, including welfare, health, emergency services receive professional development training, to enhance their knowledge of the impact that emotional abuse has on those affected. In addition, it is important for resources to be allocated to high schools, TAFE and university campuses to include non-physical aspects of domestic violence as part of their curriculum in an effort to foster community understanding of these complex issues.

Conclusion

The development of the “Through New Eyes” video package is an accomplishment for the Hunter Region (and Australia wide).

The need to counter the subtle, pervasive and destructive effects of emotional abuse on victims and children is of paramount importance, and this package with the commitment of front line services, government and educationalists has the potential to redress the myths and the escalating serious crime of domestic violence.

“Through New Eyes” – exploring the hidden emotional dynamics of Domestic Violence
© 2003 Carol Skye in association with the Hunter Women’s Centre