An evaluation of empowerment in domestic violence residential care (Malta)

Abstract

Literature shows that domestic violence is very largely an issue of power and control. Karen Landenburger (1998, pp 62-65) makes us aware that an abused woman lives in two conflicting realities. While trying to make sense of her skewed reality she loses the sense of whom she is in the process, thus feeling worthless that she may survive as an individual. In a study Mills (1985) found that the stages that victims go through, are similar in scope, to the process of "entrapment and recovery". Jacklene Campbell talks of residential settings as being or having to be an empowerment zone. Adams emphasises that the empowerment paradigm "could be, if it has not already become, the central, energising feature of social work", and that it is fundamental to social work theory and practice. To evaluate empowerment in domestic violence residential care settings (RCS) in Malta, the author went through an empowerment evaluation process. The managers of DVU, Ghabex, Merhba Bik, and Dar Qalb ta' Gesu, and other staff, were involved in the planning, designing and in the generating of data. Their analysis of findings were also supposed to be included, yet couldn't, due to limited time. Two tools were designed and used. Tool 1 (evaluating empowerment) was computed twice, a week or a fortnight apart, by five service providers and five service users, respectively. Four (4) supervisors, from three (3) Residential Care Settings participated in the evaluation. They made use of tool 2 together with their service providers, during their case review meetings. Evidence shows that: Only little, if any divergences were recorded between providers and users, as tool 1 was computed together, and not on their own. All the areas included in tool 1 moved to be relevant. "Emotional health" was a common issue to all users. Six ' areas were common to all the shelters independently of type of service. A lot of empowerment is being provided, and a lot still needs to be done. Through tool 1, new areas have been tackled, some users have come up with their suggestions on how to reflect and empower themselves, on certain areas. Tool 2 was also helpful to empower professionals. The process of evaluating empowerment was an empowerment process. It was a healthy and fruitful exercise to all participants. It may be as much in the future.