I choose to discuss mental health in families as a health topic, particularly domestic violence.
This particular topic is important to me because I have worked with several families who are in, getting out of or have survived domestic violence situations. One impactful story for me was one day I was observing two young boys working at a paint easel. There was a bit of tension between them, they were not speaking, fighting, or arguing but you could "feel" tension between them. Eventually, the younger of the two (just as plain as possible, without in fore-thought) said; "Do you have a dad?" The older of the two replied with as imple "yes". They sat in silence a few more moments and then the younger of the two again initiated; "Me too, but my dad is in Jail." The older child replied, "Yeah mine too, cause he hurts my mom."
At that point the conversation between them ended and so did the un-seen tension. It was as if a sense of belonging, understanding and commorardorie had been developed instantly between them because of an empathy of 'knowing'.
Domestic violence is a problem! And, even in todays day and age, we still seem to battle families sense of shame, "good ol' boy syndrome's", battles of the sexes, and "keeping it in the family" type syndromes. However, domestic violence impacts us all and as the story shows above, teachers need to be aware of what is going on in a families situations. I did not know that the one child's father had recently gone to jail, however I did know that this young boy, was withdrawn and not sleeping or eating well. So, of course, when I heard this I understood more and could now channel my energies to direct his behavior and better reach out to him throughout the day.
I researched domestic violence and again came across Japan. I realized that they to have the similar "good ol' boys" syndrome that can come in to play. However, their domestic violence problems seem to be even more prevelant and even more hidden away. In fact, they have only recently enacted their first domestic violence law in 2001! Although, it has been ammended several times, domestic violence continues to be a problem and one that most feel is still quite understated in their region.
Please reference an empowering article about those taking a chance to speak out in Japan; "Speaking out about domestic violence" by David McNeill and Chie Matsumoto
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20091107fl.html
About Me
- Tammy
- I am a thirty one year old Montana gal. I am fiercely independent and enjoy quiet time just as much as I love to spend time with my friends and family!
Thanks for sharing your personal story as well as this reference. Domestic violence is very prevelant and one of the biggest hidden secrets in families. It's astonishing that only 9 years ago did Japan feel it necessary to enact a law on domestic violence--just 9 years ago, amazing!
ReplyDeleteI was stunned by your story of the two boys - how sad that they feel a connection now because of something so terrible! I agree that domestic violence is a serious problem. What is surprising now, that we don't hear alot about is that victims have turned, it seems there are more men being victimized that women. I can't help but wonder if the law in Japan took so long to get passed because japanese people are so full of pride. Being a victim of domestic violence brings on a dense of shame and guilt, that I wonder if it was because it went unreported. I am glad though that soemthing has finally been put in place for the victims. Thank you for sharing.
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