“In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” -ALBERT EINSTEIN.
How to stop the inter-generational transmission of family violence:
- Support system: A support system is always beneficial in overcoming any barrier. Individuals who have a strong support system with their family, friends, coworkers, etc. have a much higher probability of beating the cycle of inter-generational family violence.
- Individual Counseling: Counseling is a great way to work out problems and potentially stop the cycle if family violence. Many people who are abusive towards their families have never sat back and asked themselves why they act that way. If often takes a professional to ask questions such as, “What was your family like growing up?” and, “Do you remember witnessing any violence between your parents, or from your parents towards yourself as a child?” Professionals also ask questions such as, “Why do you think that you verbally abuse your children?” or, “Instead of taking out your frustration on them with angry words, what are some other options you could use?” to get the abuser thinking. Therapists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc. have a keen ability to make the brain churn and really reflect on the root of the issue.
- Group Counseling: A group on family violence can often be beneficial in efforts to stop the inter-generational cycle of family violence. In a group, the individual has the chance to see that they are not alone. When the abuser gets a chance to hear others stories, their reasons for their actions, and why they want to stop, it can be a very enlightening situation. Many people in recovery from various addictions often have an, “Ah ha!” moment in group therapy, and the switch flips in their brain that recovery is in fact possible. Along with both group and individual counseling, couples counseling is often an effective method to stop the violence as well.