Primary Prevention Strategies Trained professionals working with children to make them aware of domestic violence, how common it is, the signs and symptoms, the effects AND get them to reflect on their own behaviour, what makes them angry, what factors affect their behaviour, how to control their anger and how to form mutually respectful relationships. Attempts to stop the violence before it happens.
Strengths:
preventative instead of reactive which reduces the cost and effort needed to deal with domestic violence once it happens
supported by Social Learning Theory (children are very impressionable so providing positive, non-aggressive role models can have an impact on their future behaviour)
programme can be tailored to individual groups e.g. gender groups, anger management etc.
Weaknesses:
costly
difficult to measure the long-term effects of the strategy
longitudinal research is difficult as not all participate for the full amount of time
Supporting studies: Brozo et al, (2002)
The Olweus Bullying Prevention Programme (OBPP)
Programme includes all staff, parents and students in the school where the aim is to change the school environment as a whole while targeting individual students
Teachers receive training so that they can recognise and deal with bullying and implement cooperative learning strategies in the classroom
The aim is to identify bullies in schools and help them and their victims
Adults should be positive role models and set firm limits to unacceptable behaviour
Strengths of the OBPP
Works with bullies and victims, to help both. Doesn’t isolate anyone
Violence can be prevented before it escalates
Help to reduce violence in larger numbers
Weaknesses of the OBPP
Lacks test-retest reliability, mixed studies show mixed results