Together with AWK, we are investigating how professionals can support both children and their parents who are victims of domestic violence or sexual abuse.
How is it that conflicts in some families escalate and lead to violence between family members? How can victims of sexual abuse be best supported, and what role do parents play in helping their child process traumatic experiences? The products and publications of AWK can support both parents and professionals and provide a foundation for further research.
The knowledge and experience from AWK are summarized in two articles on traumatic events in families. The first article describes what domestic violence is and its impact on family relationships, while the second article outlines possible interventions to promote safety within families.
Article 1 – How does domestic violence occur?
In the first article on traumatic events in families, we explain what domestic violence is, what it means to experience it, and the consequences for children, parents, and family relationships. We discuss underlying processes, theories, and explanations that answer the question of why conflicts escalate into domestic violence, while also guiding interventions to create safety within families. Case studies, as well as individual and systemic considerations for treatment, are used to illustrate these points.
Read the first article (in Dutch): Huiselijk geweld en de onderliggende gezinsdynamiek | Systeemtherapie
Article 2 – What can be done about domestic violence?
The second article describes how these considerations are integrated into interventions based on best practices and case studies, with the goal of restoring safety in family relationships for all members.
Read the second article: Huiselijk geweld en het veilig maken van de gezinsrelaties | Systeemtherapie (in Dutch).