Our Philosophy
Domestic
violence is violence used primarily to control and oppress women individually
and collectively. It occurs within every socioeconomic group, among people of
any age, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. DVSLC believes that
domestic violence is based on the imbalance of power, particularly between men
and women, and is perpetuated by dominant societal values, norms, and
institutions.
The agency
promotes methods to end domestic violence and eliminate barriers that perpetuate
abusive relationships. This includes examining and breaking down barriers at all
levels within systems, groups and for individuals. DVSLC works toward social
change to end sexism, racism, classism, ethnocentrism, heterosexism and all
other forms of oppression.
DVSLC
practices egalitarian and non-violent principles, providing a supportive
environment where people can gain awareness, strength, and understanding. The
agency values staff diversity in terms of race, sex, age, economic level, sexual
orientation, ethnicity and experience as an abused or formerly abused woman.
DVSLC’s staff works cooperatively as a team; employees and volunteers must
subscribe to a women-centered /empowerment model.
Based
on this philosophy, DVSLC believes:
¨
that domestic violence is a
societal problem with devastating individual effects.
¨
that the perpetrator of
violence is responsible for the violence.
¨
in the right to
self-determination, for people to make their own choices.
¨
in respect for the individual.
Important
elements include:
¨
Striving to balance the power
between the worker and the participant.
¨
Accepting that women have the
right to be angry as an appropriate response to oppression.
DVSLC
works with program participants, staff and volunteers by:
¨
providing information about
domestic violence to individuals, groups and the community.
¨
offering peer counseling –
as opposed to therapy – to individuals and groups.
¨
providing self-help and
referring to other resources.
¨
challenging societal
stereotypes and all forms of oppression.
¨
being sensitive to diversity
issues.
¨
offering confidential services
that promote safety and build trust.
¨
providing non-judgmental
services.
¨
providing individual and
systems advocacy.
¨
striving for consensus
wherever possible.