Canadian counsellors' experiences : exploring the effects of the de-gendering of domestic violence
Date
2015-05
Authors
Sarich, Amanda
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education
Abstract
This project examined the consequences of the de-gendering of domestic violence on
counsellors who work with female survivors of heterosexual physical, emotional, and
sexual violence. The de-gendering of domestic violence is defined as the systematic
removal of gender and power concerns from the conceptualization and study of violence
against women (Berns, 2001; Nixon, 2007). Recent research indicates that after working
with high caseloads of trauma survivors, counsellors experienced cognitive shifts in the
areas of gender, power, safety, and trust (Garrity, 2011; Iliffe & Steed, 2000). This
project directly examined the consequences of the de-gendering of domestic violence on
counsellors who work with survivors of violence against women. Five female counsellors
with high caseloads of survivors of violence against women took part in one 100-minute
focus group. The themes that emerged from the focus group indicate that each of the
counsellors who participated in this project have experienced negative cognitive shifts
pertaining to gender and power. Participants experienced decreased trust in relationships,
feelings of powerlessness, and shifting parental values as a result of the cognitive shifts
pertaining to gender and power.
Description
Keywords
vicarious trauma , violence against women , gender and power , trauma survivors