According to an article published by United Press International on UPI.com, Minnesota researchers have said that more than half of the residents who stay in battered women’s shelters across the United States are children.
Jeffrey Edelson
Jeffrey Edelson, professor of social work at the University of Minnesota, stated in the story that an online platform can serve as a tool to give a voice to children and allow social workers and service providers to better grasp the issues that come with being a firsthand child witness to domestic violence. The Minnesota Center Against Violence and Abuse along with the Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare at the school of social work at the University of Minnesota has created the project Honor our Voices (www.honorourvoices.org).
To recognize domestic violence month, the site launched in October. It offers visitors an interactive experience with downloadable guides and audio sessions that help social workers gain deeper insight into the mind-set of children who have experienced or are currently experiencing domestic violence in their lives, and the emotions they process.
“This learning experience is informed by some of the best practitioners and researchers in the field,” Edleson said in the article. “With information gained from this site, professionals will be able to better respond to the needs of these children and it is freely available for those professionals working on the front lines to complete at their own pace while sitting at their desk or at home.”
From the January 2012 NASW News’ “Social Work in the Public Eye.” NASW members click here for more entries.
