Laurie,
I am glad that you brought this up. Domestic violence includes all kinds of violence - physical, sexual, and emotional. All forms of domestic violence impact some of our learners. 
In addition, I would like to note that domestic violence can happen between parents and adult children (in both directions), between males and females (in both directions), and between partners of the same gender. 
Daphne


>>> "Laurie Sheridan" <laurie_sheridan at worlded.org> 03/04/08 9:11 AM >>>

In addition to domestic violence, or potential violence, which is a huge issue, I would add the disapproval and lack of support of a male partner, which can keep women from attending classes as well.  Over the years I have seen many women drop out of programs because their partner would subtly (or not so subtly) sabotage their participation, for example by not showing up to watch the children, by belittling the woman, or by undermining her confidence in her learning.  In many cases it turned out that the partner was threatened by her growing independence or personal growth.  To me, this constitutes a kind of emotional or psychological violence that can be very destructive.  

In the past, one way I have seen this avoided was by inviting the entire family into the program, including the partner.   I used to run a literacy program for child care workers in which many husbands tried to keep the women from coming, or even leaving the house (they were family child care workers, so they worked at home).  It helped to include the men in the program, and not only did it help win their "approval" and allay their fears, the men benefitted, too.  But, of course, often that is not enough.   You have weigh this against the desirability of creating a safe "woman's space" in your program or class.   Sabotage by "real," chronic or physical domestic abusers is much more difficult to avoid.  The only way to help is to support and help strengthen the woman who is participating, and refer her for outside help if that is possible.  And the presence of a batterer in a class would only make things worse, possibly for everyone.  

Laurie

Laurie Sheridan, Workforce Development Coordinator
World Education/SABES Central Resource Center
44 Farnsworth St.
Boston, MA 02210
(617) 385-3737
lsheridan at worlded.org
 
SABES:  Training Leaders in Adult Basic Education 



>>> "Daphne Greenberg" <ALCDGG at langate.gsu.edu> 3/3/2008 5:49 PM >>>

I would like to contribute to the discussion on attendance and focus on Shannie's program which is geared towards women, is in a secure environment, and provides transportation and child care. She is wondering what can be done to increase attendance over and beyond these issues. One aspect that needs to be considered is domestic violence. Fortunately, this is not an issue for all female learners, but it is an issue for too many. If a partner or family member is not supportive of the learner increasing skills, or is suspicious of the learner being part of a public activity on a regular basis, transportation and child care cannot address these obstacles.
Daphne

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