Michaela Capello Technical Writing Dr.

Gregory March 28, 2013

Memo
Introduction
I propose that I research Friends of the Family for my research paper. Problems: Domestic violence is a problem that has a strong ripple effect. Domestic violence, or relationship violence, is classified as (1) An act by a member of a family or household against another member of the family or household that is intended to result in physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault or that is a threat that reasonably places the member in fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury, assault or sexual assault, but does not include defensive measures to protect oneself; (2) Abuse by a member of a family or household toward a child of the family or household by the Texas Family Code (Section 71.004). The repercussions of domestic violence extend outward into the community because it creates physical and psychological trauma to the victims and those that witness the event, mostly children (www.NCADV.org). Eighty-five percent of domestic violence cases are against women. The children are traumatized and can have a future negative impact on society (Anderson, Surendra). The young boys who witness have a high chance of transmitting the same violent behaviors, and the young girls are more likely to see the violence as normal and accept it in their future relationships (www.NCADV.org). The cost of domestic partner violence exceeds 5.8 billion dollars a year, and 4.1 billion dollars goes to medical and mental health bills (www.NCADV.org). Although there are laws about reporting domestic violence, most of these visits are not reported as being domestic partner violence cases because the victims will hide it for protection or embarrassment (Walther). Most of the cases that are reported and achieve court orders and restraining orders are violated, and only a small amount of victims file for civil protection orders at all (www.NCADV.org). The job sector is also affected by domestic violence because all the missed work days from domestic violence incidences compile almost eight million paid and missed work days, which is the equivalent of 32,000 full-time jobs (www.NCADV.org)

Solutions: Friends of the Family is a local organization that provides a secret shelter for the women and children in a crisis situation regarding domestic violence as well as other services to the community. The organization also provides counseling services, advocate services, and provides education to kids and teens in school who have experienced domestic violence. In addition to the school-based support groups, the organization also provides school wide prevention programs to help guard kids against domestic violence. Friends of the Family also reaches out to the community by setting up awareness booths with trained staff and volunteers at community fairs. They also have awareness campaigns and fundraiser events to raise money and awareness for the cause. The Friends of the Family thrift store also generates income for the organization. Many health care professionals are not trained properly to recognize and respond to domestic violence victims (Bradbury). Trainings for health care providers and first responders are available to aid in knowing the signs of domestic abuse and how to approach the victim. The organizations staff and volunteers also provide presentations to schools, civic and professional groups, people affected by domestic violence, and other interested groups to educate them on sexual abuse, domestic violence, and their far-reaching ramifications (www.dcfof.org). Through their efforts, Friends of the Family provides help and hope to the victims, and awareness of domestic violence to the community.

Benefits
This organization not only helps the Denton community, but also provides as an example to all communities to provide help for their citizens because domestic violence is a global concern. Reading this report will bring the audiences attention to the magnanimous and profound effects of this quiet and under-reported problem, and will also help the audience to recognize some of the signs of domestic violence. Educational: Educating the professionals who deal with victims seeking medical and mental health treatment is pivotal in reducing domestic violence and preventing future incidences (Bradbury). Also, educating the public and private sectors and citizens is a large part of creating awareness for and preventing the issue (Linos). Teaching the youth about domestic violence and how to protect ones self against domestic violence helps with future prevention and provides a positive psychological effect for those kids who have been in domestic violence situations.

Help for Crisis Situations: Friends of the Family offers a hotline number and a refuge for the victims and their children in severe situations. The safe house is in a secret and secure area on Texas Womens University. The shelter offers a variety of services for those who qualify to stay: Case management - i.e. housing assistance, referral, transportation and healthcare services, and advocates who help during the transitional process. Legal advocacy - offer help in obtaining legal protective orders and in handling other legal disputes that may arise from the circumstance. Counseling - individual or group, and play therapy is available for children Food, toiletries, clothing, etc. Domestic violence education Living skills for living in an abuse-free environment Safety planning Personal growth Those individuals who do not qualify are referred to other housing services in the area for help. Friends of the Family benefits those directly affected by domestic violence in their crisis period, those who are at potential risk for crisis, and the members of the community who have not been directly affected. The organization provides victims with the skills they need to overcome their situation and move on in their lives, and creates empathy in the community. A community devoid of domestic violence will be happier, more productive, and prosperous.

Approach
I have included the projected timeline for researching, planning, and writing the research paper. Also included are the qualifications I have to write on the subject and the resources I utilized. TIMELINE:

 April 1st - April 7th - Research the problem of domestic violence in the community, nation, and world. April 8th - April 14th - Plan the outline of the paper and begin writing. April 15th - April 19th - Revision phase April 20th - Peer review and final revisions April 21st - Turn in paper to drop box and turnitin.com I have a tendency to get distracted with work, housework, and child care; however I will allocate one to two hours a day for this project. Creating the timeline is beneficial because it adds pressure and time-sensitivity. Qualifications: I am qualified to write on this topic because I am passionate about this cause. I do not have personal experience, but I am indirectly affected. Hearing on the news about women and children who go missing every day and then turn up dead or not at all, gives me a feeling of desperation because I can not do a thing to help them. Working on this report will allow me to indirectly help the victims of domestic abuse. When I get the occasional client in my massage practice who has touch aversion issues, or has suffered cranial traumas because of domestic violence experience, my heart deeply feels the sadness and hurt. I want to help prevent people from being caught in the cycle of domestic abuse. I donate to the Friends of the Family regularly, and when I was teaching a donationbased community yoga class, I donated all material donations to the Friends of the Family. Resources: I will utilize Academic Search Complete from NCTC s library databases and credible sources from the web to write my report.