Family conflict involves emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual ill-treatment inflicted by an intimate partner or spouse. Wood et al. (2020) explain that domestic violence survivors require access to emotional support and life-saving information to seek justice, navigate the legal system, and heal. This is why family conflict advocates, professionals who provide crucial support to domestic conflict survivors, are essential resources. It is vital to understand the roles and responsibilities of these experts.
Domestic conflict advocates assist victims in getting the help needed to cope and move forward. Wood et al. (2020) explain that these survivors need to feel secure and safe after experiencing abuse because they might endure trauma resulting in long-term adverse effects. Therefore, domestic violence advocates become the only confidants for individuals who might have nowhere or nobody to confide in (Wood et al., 2020). Their roles include advising victims of their legal rights, offering support in courts of law, referring survivors to counseling and support groups, and providing economic aid such as housing. Moreover, these advocates help the survivors in communicating to employers, family members, and lawyers. The criminal justice system, police stations, and hospitals might be challenging and confusing to people recovering from violence or abuse (Wood et al., 2020). The advocates step in and accompany the survivors to interviews, court dates, meetings, and appointments when needed.
In summary, domestic violence advocates are helpful to family conflict survivors. This is because they assist the victims in making the appropriate decision to protect their interests and safety emotionally, economically, and socially. As a result, there is a minimal possibility that the survivor will suffer long-term adverse effects of the abuse or violence. Family conflict advocates also help the victims to navigate areas such as police stations, hospitals, or the courts of justice. This assists them to productively and safely take the appropriate steps to restructure their lives.
Reference
Wood, L., Clark, D., Heffron, L. C., & Schrag, R. V. (2020). Voluntary, survivor-centered advocacy in domestic violence agencies. Advances in Social Work, 20(1), 1-21. Web.