The Journey to Safe &
Effective Interventions
Developed by the Centre for Research and
Education on Violence Against Women
and Children
Starting the Journey…
• Context for Interventions
• The Challenge of Isolation
• The Strategy
• The Takeaway - 3 things to do
• Orientation for Interventions
YOU
What do you need to
be prepared to
respond?
Relatives
Friends
Co-Workers
YOU
Neighbours
Committees
Manager
The Rule of Isolation
Isolation is a ruling factor
that allows woman
abuse to happen
…It could even be
considered a necessary
condition
The Rule of Isolation
Abusers will discourage
or forbid their partners
from having
relationships with other
people
The Rule of Isolation
Children in abusive
households don’t bring
their friends home
The Rule of Isolation
The family isn’t invited to
social gatherings because
people are uncomfortable
with the abuser’s
unpredictable behaviour
The Rule of Isolation
Bystanders remain alone
with their suspicions,
silent and unable to
overcome their
hesitation to act…
Isolation
Isolation is a condition that allows
woman abuse to happen…
It is also a result of woman abuse
that becomes deeper and more
profound as the abuse escalates
A Simple Strategy
Reduce or Eliminate
Isolation
We share cultural beliefs and
norms that support isolation:
• Mind your own business
• What goes on in a home is private
• Avoid questions that are too
personal
• Avoid conflict at all costs
• Solve your own problems
Behaviours Designed to
Interrupt Isolation
• Pay attention to signs of abuse
• Don’t sit alone with suspicions
and questions
• Seek help and take appropriate
action
The Takeaway
See it…
Name it…
Check it…
The Takeaway -
See it
• Learn the warning signs
• Pay attention to the people around you
• Treat your suspicions and questions
seriously
The Takeaway -
Name it
• Name the behaviour or action you see:
• to yourself
• to another
• Say it out loud
• Ask questions
The Takeaway –
Check it
• Assess the danger
• Check your assumptions
• Use the materials
• Ask an expert about what action to take
• Do safety planning
Navigating the
territory of
intervention
Start with Heart
You can’t go wrong if
you intervene from a
place of genuine
concern and care…
How to
Handle your
interventions
with care
The Journey to Intervention
See it!
Pay attention, learn the
warning signs
Name it!
Break the rule of isolation!
Tell someone
Check it!
Use the experts to figure
out what to do next…