I am a freelance anthropologist in Nebraska, USA, and I have conducted various focus groups on the impact of domestic violence on the lives of immigrant women (Latina and Asian) and on women of color. I am also on the Board of the Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Omaha, Nebraska.
In my research, one response still rings in my head. I was speaking with a group of Latina women - women from various parts of Central and South America about how to prevent domestic violence. One woman spoke so eloquently about the need for a program in junior high and high schools (or even elementary) that would deter both boys and girls from engaging in violent relationships, and how to recognize the danger signals, both in themselves and in others. In her mind, she would model it after the D.A.R.E. program popular in United States public schools, in which police and schools team up to keep kids off drugs (and perhaps alcohol). The students, I believe, have to pledge to not take drugs or alcohol, and get a lot of education on the causes and impacts of drug use. The other women in the focus group heartily agreed, saying that trying to reach adult men was not going to work, that it must come much younger. I've tried to interest various service providers in this woman's idea, but to no avail. Perhaps by posting it here, someone might be able to use this idea, or perhaps it is already in use somewhere else. I would appreciate knowing if there are any such programs out there. Thank you. Dr. Suzanne Baker Anthropologist Domestic Violence Coordinating Committee of Omaha, Nebraska, USA -------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Non-violence is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. It is mightier than the mightiest weapon of destruction." (Mahatma Gandhi, 20 July 1925) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- ***End-violence is sponsored by UNIFEM and receives generous support from ICAP*** To post a message, send it to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To subscribe or unsubscribe, send a message to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. In the 1st line of the message type: subscribe end-violence OR type: unsubscribe end-violence Archives of previous End-violence messages can be found at: http://www.edc.org/GLG/end-violence/hypermail/
