Season 6 Episode 4: The Paradox of Proximity: Understanding Domestic Abuse in Rural and Remote Communities

Partnered with a Survivor: David Mandel and Ruth Reymundo Mandel

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In this episode, David and Ruth speak with Dr. Annie Donaldson about her groundbreaking research examining domestic abuse in Scotland's rural, remote and island communities. Dr. Donaldson, an honorary research fellow at the University of Strathclyde and longtime expert in gender-based violence, shares insights from interviews with survivors and professionals about the unique dynamics of domestic abuse in small, interconnected communities.

Key topics include:

The "paradox of proximity" - how physical isolation combines with close social connections to create unique challenges for survivors in rural areas
How community connections can be both supportive and entrapping for survivors experiencing domestic abuse
How perpetrators exploit small community dynamics and relationships to maintain control
The incredible protective efforts of survivors, including maintaining children's routines and wellbeing despite multiple forced moves
The impact of the Safe & Together Model in helping professionals challenge victim-blaming attitudes and better support survivors

Dr. Donaldson discusses how traditional social work approaches focused solely on "problem-solving" often miss the emotional realities and strengths of survivors including:

Validating and building on survivors' existing protective efforts
Recognizing how historical distrust of authorities impacts help-seeking
Using technology and remote options to increase accessibility

This episode provides vital insights for any professional working with survivors in rural, remote or close-knit communities while highlighting the universal dynamics of entrapment that transcend geography.

Resources:

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Now available! Mapping the Perpetrator’s Pattern: A Practitioner’s Tool for Improving Assessment, Intervention, and Outcomes The web-based Perpetrator Pattern Mapping Tool is a virtual practice tool for improving assessment, intervention, and outcomes through a perpetrator pattern-based approach. The tool allows practitioners to apply the Model’s critical concepts and principles to their current case load in real

Check out David Mandel's new book Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers: How to Transform the Way We Keep Children Safe from Domestic Violence.
Visit the Safe & Together Institute website.
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Check out Safe & Together Institute upcoming events.

Chapters

1. Season 6 Episode 4: The Paradox of Proximity: Understanding Domestic Abuse in Rural and Remote Communities (00:00:00)

2. Exploring Domestic Abuse in Rural Areas (00:01:06)

3. Navigating Isolation and Coercive Control (00:09:31)

4. Examining Coercive Control in Communities (00:22:02)

5. Cultural History Impacting Intervention Approach (00:33:35)

6. Empowering Women's Protective Efforts (00:42:07)

7. Cultural Prevention and Media Strategies (00:54:01)

8. Recognizing Emotion in Domestic Violence Intervention (01:04:40)

9. Strengths in Rural Domestic Violence (01:13:59)

115 episodes

#Society #Parenting #Relationship #Politics #Kids And Family #News #Ruth Stearns Mandel & David Mandel #David Mandel #Ruth Stearns Mandel #Abuse #Domestic Violence #Child Abuse #Coercive Control #Trauma #Systems #Consent #Sexual Abuse #Allie