In 1854, Jon Snow concluded that poor water pump management was responsible for the cholera outbreaks. Although his legacy has influenced many lessons on water safety, globally, we still see cholera cases, and in 2016, over 130,000 cases were recorded, 54% of cases were from Africa (World Health Organisation, 2018a). These figures do not represent the true devastation cholera is causing as a public health worldwide concern, as many deaths or cases. Due to the severity of the disease, many victims die within 18 hours (Bland, 2018). Some cases may not be recorded due to poor communication within communities, avoidance of disclosure, or improving personal health. Thus, expressing the importance of tackling the disease, as millions globally have no access to clean water, fuelling the opportunity for cholera to spread.
For the human population to flourish healthily globally, we need to act upon the chemical contaminants embedded into our water systems and focus on improving our water supplies globally. As suggested in the Maslow Hierarchy of Needs, water is a basic need for a healthy existence, yet a child dies every 15 seconds due to poor water sanitation. Cholera is still a significant public health concern, with regular outbreaks occurring in the 20th century as late as 2010, resulting in over 7,500 deaths, even with new technology advances to provide safer water.
Previous research has summarised the importance of controlling cholera outbreaks and emphasized providing safer water supplies. Reviewing the limitations of why adequate water is not being provided may assist in learning to improve the management of water supplies in developing countries. Contributing to the accessibility of safer water will dramatically reduce the risks of water-borne diseases. World Health Organisation (2018b) recommends focusing on long-term solutions for cholera to develop a sustainable WASH solution to ensure the vital source: water is safe to drink, and good hygiene practices are adopted. For the human population to flourish healthily globally, we need to act upon the chemical contaminants embedded into our water systems and focus on improving our water supplies globally.
Although cholera is successfully treated through oral rehydration solution and antibiotics, there are three simple ways of prevention: access to adequate sanitation reducing human waste in the water supply system, access to safe drinkable water and maintaining a basic hygiene standard. Safe water access is a luxury and taken for granted, and future investigating into how to prevent further public health epidemics is needed to ensure every child has access to disease-free water.
Globally better sanitation, cleaner water, and more funding into the public health systems could eradicate this 165-year-old disease. Although Jon Snow discovered cholera, society has yet to acknowledge that without tackling the issues of water diseases, cholera will remain a threat. nIn her latest report, Professor Dame Sally Davies’ as England’s Chief Medical Officer (2019, p.4) has a stark reminder for the world that “cholera is a killer in waiting’.
World Health Organisation (2018a) A child under 15 dies every 5 seconds around the world. [online]]. [Accessed 25 Feburary 2022]. Available at: <ww.who.int/news-room/detail/18-09-2018-a-child-under-15-dies-every-5-seconds-around-the-world->.
I was delighted to be awarded the VAMHM Early Career Researcher Bursary for attending and presenting at the 4th European Conference on Domestic Violence 2021 to share my research focusing on male victims of domestic abuse experiences seeking professional medical help. The purpose of the conference is to provide an opportunity for researchers, academics, students, professionals, policymakers and practitioners from across Europe to share their knowledge, build connections and share good practices. The conference focused on several themes, including domestic violence in specific communities, intervention/protection, broader context ( e.g., gender equality,) children and young people and research issues. Keynote speakers included: Professor Cathy Humphreys discussing responding to children living with domestic abuse in the context of their relationships, Dr Jasna Podreka discussing femicide: the evolution of the definition and meaning, Dr Hannah Bows keynote on the missing generation – violence against older women in Europe and Professor Iris Luarasi keynote on Istanbul Convention and its threat of destroying the norms of families.
My interest in attending the conference was to further my understanding of different approaches used to support abuse victims, particularly male victims, and establish connections. Attending this conference, I was able to achieve both. On the first day of the conference, Rebecca Gulowski presented research on typology of female offenders in an intimate partnership, followed up by The Compass Programme: An evaluation of a recovery programme for male victims/ survivors of domestic violence and abuse presented by Sarah Wallace, Carolyn Wallace, Owain Jones, Michelle Whelan and Gareth Branch, which were both two eye-opening presentations, to name a few fantastic presentations. The conference was engaging and informative, and ECDV saved presenters recordings, which I am incredibly grateful for, allowing the opportunity to go back and review findings, source links and also see any content I missed. At the conference, I learned about people’s experiences of domestic abuse, the supportive provisions available, and what each country was doing to eradicate domestic violence was promising to see the impressive work many are conducting. There was a thought-provoking discussion on policies and language used throughout the conference, gender inclusivity, and risk assessment management.
Being provided with the opportunity to share my research on male abuse victims, I felt prompted several discussions during and post-conference. My findings were meant with positive thoughts on developing more inclusive services within healthcare to identify and support male victims of abuse. ECDV is one of the largest domestic abuse conferences internationally, which provided a fantastic opportunity to promote the importance of healthcare professionals approaches to support domestic abuse victims, particularly male victims, as demonstrated in my research. The wealth of knowledge and experience of those attended within the field of policymaking and domestic abuse allowed me to discuss my current PhD research and develop new ideas with international connections. I am currently completing my PhD on research focusing on male domestic abuse victims’ experience when seeking familiar support at the University of Wolverhampton, and the wealth of research at the ECDV will assist in its development. I felt honoured to be presenting these victims stories, sharing the importance of reducing barriers for male victims of abuse to seek support.
The quality of teaching is essential to ensure that the next generation is equipped with the knowledge to progress further. However, the quality of teaching is not solely dependent upon the teachers but society as well. Thus, parents’ importance with their children’s schoolwork encourages their children to become more attentive in school. The development of communication between parents and teachers will ensure the student’s needs are met.
Wyse (2008) argues that a review is needed into teaching quality, with an urgent change to the assessment system to ensure society is receiving its money’s worth. These students are the next generation, and the increasing government control may be causing harm, arguing that the narrowed curriculum could affect the quality of learning and teaching (Wyse, 2008). Teachers need to establish what is expected from them and review the sustainability of the plan the schools are enforcing (Nikel, 2007; Wyse, 2008). If the school’s plan is unsustainable, the quality of the teaching will cripple under pressure. Thus, the importance of the relationship between leaders and teachers is imperative. Leaders need to provide additional support for teachers to ensure they can provide one to one support to students if needed (Chroninin, 2013). As without tailored support, a student who is struggling may begin to disengage with teachers. Teaching students factual information will not directly result in progression; students need to feel encouraged and supported to solve their problems (See, Gorard and Siddiqui, 2017; Chroninin, 2013). Thus, allowing the teacher to facilitate their education and the students to educate themselves. Therefore, this empowers students and involves them in their learning progress, rather than the students regurgitating their teachers’ information.
The relationship between students and teachers relies upon effective communication, and teachers can share their knowledge by fostering a more productive integrated approach to teaching (Kirby, Keary, and Walsh, 2018; Herman et al., 2015). Thus, in doing so, creating an engaging class. Eriksson, Bjorklund Boistrup, and Thornberg (2017) explain that the feedback’s complexity could affect the child’s understanding of the feedback. Subsequently, affecting their ability to act upon it. Chroninin (2013) suggests that teachers need to ensure they develop assessment strategies that focus upon the students receiving good quality feedback. Without precise feedback, students will struggle to progress further successfully. A strong bond between students and teachers is essential to allow them to share any concerns or worries they may have from their home life. Thus, providing an over-arching supportive network. Effective communication is an essential part of teaching, as poor communication will affect the student’s engagement levels (Kirby, Keary, and Walsh, 2018; Herman et al., 2015).
Furthermore, this feedback should assist in future planning and ensure that their lessons meet the needs of their students. Eriksson, Bjorklund Boistrup, and Thornberg (2017) suggest there are challenges for teachers to maintain the quality of teaching and provide helpful feedback if there are additional challenges within the classroom. For instance, if the class is overprescribed, teachers may have limited time to engage with the students at total capacity, affecting the overall feedback quality. Teachers are under immense pressure due to the increasing pupil numbers and the long demanding hours. The lack of professional recognition, poor support, and disruption within the classrooms has increased teachers’ burnout syndrome (Mearns and Chain, 2010: Antoniou, Ploumpi and Ntalla, 2012). Their role’s chronic stress leads them to emotional exhaustion, consequently leading them to resign from teaching (Antoniou, Ploumpi, and Ntalla, 2012).
On average, a person will spend a third of their life sleeping. The World Health Organisation (2004) states that, good quality sleep is vital to ensure good well-being, whilst disturbed sleep can create long-term health issues. This years Mental Health Awareness Week, taking place on 14th – 18th May 2020, Mental Health Foundation, theme will be focusing on the connection between sleep and mental health. Sleep is vital for the body to recover from our everyday activities. Fundamentally, interrupted sleep can impact upon the mental concentration and capacity of the victims to complete simple tasks.
Domestic abusers use a variety of tactics to control their partner including sleep deprivation. Significantly, abusers will use this to their advantage and further abuse their victim, as they will have a limited or impeded ability to respond. The World Health Organisation (2004) states, that the victim’s mind will be jumbled, as they begin to suffer memory blanks, increasing the risk of gaslighting. Additionally, the victim may struggle with remembering events, leading them to believe the aggressive behaviour is their fault. Abusers play upon their victim’s fear, forcing them to apologise to reduce the risk of further assaults (Pain and Scottish Women’s Aid, 2017). Abusers tend to shift the responsibility of the abuse to their victim, branding them at fault, playing on any insecurities they have (Pain and Scottish Women’s Aid, 2017).
There are different approaches that abusers may utilise in order to disrupt the sleep of their partner. For instance, abusers may return home after their partner is asleep, prompt their victim to engage in conversation, demanding their undivided attention. Another approach is that the abuser may attempt to cause noise pollution, by slamming doors to wake their partner. Hence, the subtlety of this approach is clearly apparent. This is exacerbated by the victim’s mind becoming fragmented, and their vision starting to become distorted as they begin to struggle with the poor-quality of sleep. This form of abuse increases alcohol and drug abuse, as the victim sources alternative methods to fall and remain asleep. Alcohol may be used to assist with anxiety, however it can prompt dependence, as 30% of people with insomnia use alcohol to aid sleep (Roeher and Roth, 2018; Hoshino et al. 2009).
More specifically, Kippert (2018) defines sleep deprivation abuse, as the perpetrator making it impossible for their victim to fall asleep or keeping them awake all night. Sleep deprivation is considered a form of physical abuse; however, Krizan and Herlache (2016) define sleep disruption as forms of severe neglect and aggression, affecting the victim’s ability to process the next day effectively. Sleep disruption limits the person’s opportunities or ability to achieve, due to over-exhaustion, resulting in the victim becoming isolated. Abusers use sleep as a form of aggression and control, immobilising and imprisoning their victim within their mind, due to the lack of sleep interrupting the victim’s ability to react to situations, due to over-exhaustion (Krizan and Herlache, 2016; Bright Horizon, 2019).
Sleep deprivation is embedded not only in the relationship, but, as the abuser instils further fear of abuse, the victims sleep remains disturbed. For instance, Grandner et al. (2018) state, that victims are often in a state of anxiety due to the fear of the unknown. Of equal significance, is that the prolonged lack of sleep is associated with mental health issues, insomnia and night terrors. Worryingly, insomnia increases the risk of mortality, due to the inability to concentrate, increasing the risk of accidental deaths, as well as the cardiopulmonary pressures on the body, leading to inflammation and the heart giving out (Parthasarathy et al., 2015). The night terrors prevent the victim from falling asleep, instilling further intense fear. As a direct consequence in the long-term, Pigeon et al. (2011) explains that these affect the victim’s ability to prosecute their abuser, as their decision-making and ability to navigate their concerns are potentially impacted.
This year’s sexual abuse and sexual violence awareness week challenged the misconception of the statements surrounding rape and sexual assault. Sexual violence includes rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, as well as forcing their victim into prostitution or engage in sexual activity with their abuser of others. Office for National Statistics (2018) concluded that 33% had been sexually assaulted/raped by an intimate partner. The Crime Survey for England and Wales stated that an estimated 3.4 women, aged over sixteen, had experienced a form of sexual assault (Office for National Statistics, 2018).
Another form of sexual abuse that Domestic Shelter (2015) suggests is increasing is the forbidden use of birth control, with the intent to conceive, as well as show dominance. Thus, increasing the risk of sexually transmitted infections, as the abuser prevents the use of condoms, or manipulates their partner into believing birth control is being used. For example, Bergmann and Stockman (2015), state that male abusers may remove access to oral contraceptives, by disposing of these or replacing them with alternative medications; while female abusers may falsely inform their partner, they are using contraceptives. Consequently, forcible reproduction could be deemed as the ultimate control, as it is a method of isolation, thus, leading to further abuse.
This misconception of men as unable to be a victim of such violence, results in many male victims not reporting their abuse. Besides, Hester’s (2012) research suggests that men are less likely to disclose sexual abuse, out of fear of other reactions, and limited data is exploring forced-to-penetrate cases, further overshadowing the abuse. Adding to this, Weare (2017) research of 154 male victims emphasise that 9% had frequently been forced-to-penetrate anally, 29% orally, and 62% vaginally. Furthermore, 43.8% of respondents of Weare’s (2017) research, reviewing 153 male domestic abuse victims’ experiences of domestic abuse stated they had experienced sexual abuse between the aged of 16-25. Thus, emphasising the high proportions of men who are victims of sexual abuse and violence.
If you require further information, advice or need support, please contact one of the following organisations:
The World Health Organisation (2015), implies health is the state of complete mental, physical, and social wellbeing, with an absence of disease or illness, and is the reflection of the prevention of mental disorder and rehabilitation of the individual. Nearly a quarter of the population in the UK will suffer from a form of mental health problem, with depression being the most common emphasising the importance of self-care (Mental Health Foundation, 2014). This year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, which took place on 14th – 18th May 2020, Mental Health Foundation, the theme focused on the connection between sleep and mental health. Sleep is vital for the body to recover from our everyday activities. Fundamentally, interrupted sleep can impact upon the mental concentration and capacity of the victims to complete simple tasks.
There is no ‘magic pill ‘to cure depression, as anti-depressants only compress the depression. Self-care and engaging with supportive services can assist with overcoming depression, as it provides the person with the opportunity to participate in down-time. Thus, re-focusing their energy on positivity and their health, encouraging growth. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) outlines the basic human needs, and without sustaining these, the person may struggle with their mental health, thus, affecting their ability to self-care. Furthermore, Maslow (1943) explains that sleep is one of the fundamental basic needs for someone to function, and a lack of sleep has a profound effect on your mental health. Consequently, poor sleep can become a contributing factor to mental health issues as the person begins to struggle with physical exhaustion, thus, leading them to suffer from low moods and depression.
The Mental Health Foundation (2011), raises their concern that people are not achieving enough sleep to maintain their mental health. Dijk et al. (2010), state that adults averagely should be sleeping seven to eight hours per day. However, in reality, how many people sleep a full eight hours a night, with work, children, and schooling to consider. Thus, resulting in them having difficulties in developing personal relationships as they struggle to engage in fruitful conversation, due to exhaustion of the mind.
Many students have to juggle, work, relationships and their degree with multiple deadlines looming, and often struggle to balance these evenly. Therefore, emphasising the importance of maintaining a healthy pattern of sleep, benefiting their mental health, as this could reduce some of the pressures they are dealing with. Zager et al. (2007), remind us, that sleep is vital for our bodies development, as it allows the body time to protect the immune system and process the information we have come across throughout the day. Many students have to juggle, work, relationships and their degree with multiple deadlines looming, and often struggle to balance these evenly.
Furthermore, the Mental Health Foundation (2011), emphasises the need to see poor quality sleep as a public health issue, as it can lead to such a vast number of consequences. Not only mental health issues, but it also leads to accidents, placing others in harm’s way. Mental Health Foundation (2016), recommends the use of a four-step programme that could HEAL or address some of the sleep issues that are occurring. Firstly, consider the body’s health, are there any physical or mental health issues that may be affecting the sleeping pattern?
Sleep matters. People need to review the structure of their bedrooms by adjusting their light and the placement of their bed. Often people struggle with maintaining a good sleeping pattern due to work patterns or shift-based work, therefore, leading them to sleep when possible. Thus, leading to poor quality sleep. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can restrict the person from falling asleep or result in waking up several times throughout the night. If someone has any of these health issues, it would be recommended for them to visit their GP for further information and support.
The environment is another factor that needs to be considered. The removal of the television from the bedroom or reducing screen time on tablets and mobile phones before bedtime can improve the quality of sleep, as the mind is active and unable to relax. Although removing of television, maybe deemed dramatic, this vital trick could allow the person to relax, as they begin to associate the bedroom with sleeping, rather than watching television in bed.
Therefore, this links to a person’s attitude. This reflects upon the person reducing their engagement with technology before bedtime. Instead of using technology devices, read a book, or listen to calming music (Mental Health Foundation, 2016). These simple changes could reduce anxiety and allow the person to drift off into a calming sleep state. Using mobile phones or watching television, stimulates the brain, thus, making it more difficult to drift off to sleep. Thus, resulting in a restless night. These simple tasks ultimately lead to lifestyle changes. Mental Health Foundation (2016) recommends dietary changes, including eating less sugary meals and engaging in exercise.
Mahoney and Moos (2010) raised concerns on the leadership and the democracy within schools, expressing the need for change to ensure schools offer the best opportunities for students. The primary role of a school is not only to provide education but also provide a challenging and emotional caring environment, to allow the students to develop (Kapur, 2018; Department of Education, 2015b). The Department of Education (2015b) expresses the importance of Headmasters leading by example, by meeting the four domains of excellence as standard. Those schools branded as inadequate often have leadership and management failures (Hofkins, 1993). The four domains are the self-improving school system, pupils and staff qualities and knowledge and processes. The formation of the school is the leader’s responsibility, ensuring each member of staff is meeting the needs of the students. As inconsistencies could occur, affecting the students’ well-being, and in-turn affect the student’s attainment levels.
Brundrett, Duncan, and Rhodes (2010) state there has been significant change over the last two decades in leadership within schools, with the introduction of multiple levels of leadership roles to ensure additional support for teachers is available. Sheninger (2011) states that education leaders have a multiple-layer of responsibilities, placing immense pressure upon the leaders to be reliable and achieve outstanding results. It is not only Headmasters who are dealing with these stressors, but all levels of leadership are expected to communicate well and demonstrate no inconsistencies. Leaders are under unbearable pressure, as they are expected to maintain consistently excellent teaching, shared knowledge and develop a strong relationship with parents to encourage on-going support and engagement in their child’s education (Education Development Trust, 2014; Department of Education, 2015b).
The Headmasters role as the leaders of the school are considered as the most trusted members of the community, and parents depend upon their ability to maintain the school’s achievements (Day, 2009). Thus, this open position needs to be allocated to the ideal member of staff to maintain trust within the community and ensure success for the school. Engaging and communicating with parents will breakdown the additional barriers to the children’s education, encouraging education at home to occur. Thus, reducing pressure on the teaching staff. Toop (2016) states that the joining of middle leadership and teaching leaders the skill of communicating effectively and sharing ideas will create a unified approach to education.
A clear line of communication needs to be visual, not only with the students and teachers but across all of the senior management team within the school. Therefore, any issues within leadership can be addressed swiftly, and there is no indifference to the approach. Furthermore, Hickman (2017) states that an effective leader collaborates with other members of staff, to release some of the burdens and promote an inclusive involvement and promote engagement with parents. Mistry (2004) expresses the importance of leaders engaging with learning support assistants, as they have been well-established as crucial figures within primary schools, specialising in program prep and interacting with parents.
Matthews (2009) defines outstanding school leaders as motivating, empowering, community-spirited, and promotes professional development. Leaders do not only need to focus upon the children’s well-being but also the staff, to ensure they remain empowered, involved, and feel their leaders value them. Toop (2016) shares the need for a drive in all teaching staff and leaders to build an expectational team approach. To ensure drive remains, leaders need to generously offer praise when it is due and offer opportunities for further training. Hickman (2017) emphasises the importance of leaders complimenting their staff, to boost morale, build confidence, and ensure staff wishes to remain in employment there.
Ofsted (2008, in Matthews, 2009) recognises leadership as remaining as a critical factor to ensure the school’s success. Leaders need to be willing to engage in competition with other schools, competing for the best teachers, and presenting themselves to the community, as the highest achieving school. To do this, Kapur (2018) explains the schools need to design their aims and objectives upon the communities voiced concerns. The leaders are expected to be an inspiring, enthusiast, and be able to communicate with staff, students virtually, and parents (Matthews, 2009; Pont, Nusche, and Moorman, 2008). Leaders are expected to visualise a positive future for both the school and the local community by sharing their ideas and engaging with parents. Thus, in doing so, demonstrating that the school is listening to their local area, encouraging parents to view the school as inclusive. An exceptional vision will ensure that schools achieve. Pont, Nusche, and Moorman (2008) explain the need for schools to devise a plan of action and monitor their progress and celebrate their successes within the community.
Vast improvement has been made over the last fifteen years, as schools are reforming their leadership, due to the number of students attending is rapidly growing, with class sizes growing yearly. The Department for Education (2011) states there has been a growth of 20% in births from 2002, placing further pressure upon the education system. The Department of Education (2011) expresses concern on the increasing class sizes, as it affects attainment levels as there is an increased risk of behavioural problems. Thus, placing further pressure upon middle leaders and Headmasters as they will have restricted time to engage with students and limited engagement with teachers. However, leaders will be able to review whether their teachers can manage and retain student’s engagement successfully.
An expressive, a more decisive leader can change the school’s foundations. School leaders need to have the ability to adapt to change, and transform the education system within their schools, tackling issues head-on (Chugh, 2016). The Department of Health (2015b) expresses the importance of good leadership, stating that if the leaders do not possess the expected characteristics, they will struggle to maintain stimulating education for the children. However, it can be challenging to remain a strong leader due to the complexities of the role. Leaders are expected to challenge their employees yet still motivate them and expect high expectations, with minimum pay incentives. Although the Department of Education (2019) announced a pay increase of 2.75% per cent, the expectation of high achievements with minimum growth could take its toll, affecting the willingness and engagement levels of the staff, which the leaders must challenge. Leadership is a pivotal part of ensuring school success, as it provides the school with a precise aim. The quality of the leader influences the school’s progression and the students learning, thus the importance of evaluating their skills (Plowright and Godfrey, 2008; Barrett-Baxendale and Burton, 2009). Barrett-Baxendale and Burton (2009) believe that leaders need to keep engaging in self-directed development to enhance their leadership skills. Thus, being able to address new issues which are arising. For instance, cyberbullying is a relatively new issue that schools are tackling. If the leaders are unaware of this phenomenon, they will be unable to provide adequate support to their teacher or their students. Thus, resulting in additional issues or the problem escalating out of control.
To maintain strong leadership, Warin (2017) explains the leaders need to develop a nurturing relationship with the students, creating a profoundly caring environment; creating the ideal ethos of a caring school. Thus, resulting in a safer atmosphere for students to discuss any mental health issues. The Department for Education and Gibb (2016) stress the need for a vision leads Headmasters to drive schools to success. However, the Department for Education and Gibb (2016) states that school systems are unable to become dependent upon a handful of individuals, it needs to have an integrated approach of strong leadership filtering to the core of the classrooms as school leadership is the essential element of the school environment. The Ambition Institute (2016) argue that all leaders from middle leaders, governors, Headmasters, and CEO’s need to be ensuring the students are receiving a high-quality education.
Failure is apparent for the leaders, leaving them disheartened; however, efficient leaders will see this as an opportunity to improve themselves. Thus, allowing them to learn from their mistakes. Leaders working in schools in highly challenging socioeconomically disadvantaged communities are at higher risk of failure, due to the on-going challenges of staff retainment and student behaviour (Education Development Trust, 2014). Although, if the leaders restructured their curriculum, students would have a higher attainment level. The flexibility of the leaders to allow teaching staff to use a range of different teaching skills will encourage staff to remain engaged in the students learning. To ensure the youth of today reach their potential, the Department of Education (2015a) states schools need to maintain effective governance and leadership by developing a co-ordinated approach into building upon their foundations and offer support to staff to enable them to achieve in their roles successfully. Leaders need to provide additional support for teachers to ensure they can provide one to one support to students if needed (Chroninin, 2013). As without tailored support, a student who is struggling may begin to disengage with teachers.
Barrett-Baxendale, D. and Burton, D. (2009) Twenty-first-century headteacher: pedagogue, visionary leaders or both? School Leadership and Management. 29(2). Pp. 91 – 107
Brundrett, M., Duncan, D. and Rhodes, C. (2010) Leading curriculum innovation in primary school’s project: an interim report on schools’ leaders in curriculum development in England. Education 3 – 13. 38(4). Pp. 403 – 419
Chugh, S. (2016) Positioning school leadership in Indian Context: Review and Way Ahead. Indian Journal of Educational Research. 5. Pp. 226 – 243
Chroninin (2013) agrees that there are numerous challenges facing teachers, affecting their ability to plan their lesson and dedicate efficient time as required to each student.
Day, C. (2009) Building and sustaining successful principalship in England: the importance of trust. Journal of Educational Administration. 47(6). Pp. 719 – 730.
Mistry, M. (2004) Managing LSA’s: an evaluation of the use of learning support assistants in an urban primary school. School leadership and management. 24(2). Pp. 125 – 137
Domestic abuse affects millions of people globally; the UK Government estimated that 2 million people suffer the abuse in England and Wales. To raise awareness of this critical public health issue, Arden University invited Heroes Rights in October to deliver an educational presentation for the National Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. Smith, Szymanska, and Haile (2017) express the importance of tackling domestic abuse, as every week, at least ten people die in the United Kingdom due to abuse. Domestic abuse is still a very hidden topic in society, even though stronger policies have been enforced in the last ten years. Many victims struggle to report their abuse due to stigmatisation, fear of further abuse, and fear of disbelief. Hence, the importance of raising awareness, encouraging victims to report, and re-bunk any myths of domestic abuse as anyone can be a victim of abuse, regardless of gender, sexuality, and age.
Heroes’ Rights, led by Tammi Owen, were one of the first domestic abuse intervention programs supporting male domestic abuse victims in South Wales. The organisation focuses upon delivering interventions using a non-gendered approach to ensure all victims are supported, regardless of their gender.
Tammy Owen from @heroes_wales
The session was delivered related to the module ‘Meeting the Needs of the Service User,’ exploring the importance of empowering victims to report their abuse. The session explored how multi-agency working together they can address the victim’s multiple needs such as housing, safety, self-esteem, and rebuilding family relationships as many victims lose contact with their families due to their controlling partner.
Heroes’ Rights focused upon the importance of services working together to break the cycle of domestic abuse and encouraged the engagement of communities to support victims and the local community. By engaging the local community, people will become more familiar with the signs and risks of domestic abuse and feel encouraged to report their concerns. Over the last ten years, many healthcare services have suffered financial constraints and lost services, therefore highlighting the importance of a multi-agency approach. The use of a multi-agency approach will reduce the burden upon one service, and strengthening working relationships between agencies, increasing support for the victim. Furthermore, there will be better communication as agencies work together with the same goal of supporting the victim to escape their abuser.
Another aspect Heroes Rights explored was the importance of listening to the community and understanding what their needs are. To understand their local needs, Heroes Rights organised meetings with 700 people in a variety of locations across South Wales and online platforms. Upon reviewing the feedback, the local community stated they wanted more family support, mental health care aftercare, a safe place to seek counselling and community engagement. Thus, leading the vision of a community support centre run by the community for the community. Therefore, victims will feel more supported within their community and feel more confident in reporting and engaging with service.
The session was very informative and encouraged students to raise questions regarding how healthcare professionals can support victims. The session concluded on discussing further opportunities for training to enhance the student’s knowledge of domestic abuse as well as the importance of challenging stereotypes and myths of abuse.
The session was very informative and encouraged students to raise questions regarding how healthcare professionals can support victims. The session concluded on discussing further opportunities for training to enhance the student’s knowledge of domestic abuse as well as the importance of challenging stereotypes and myths of abuse.
With the current climate, many of us are on lockdown or self-isolation; many are already beginning to struggle with feeling as though the walls are closing in. With the Government’s current advice with the closure of schools, and the recommendation of working from home if possible. There is a possible risk of people suffering from mental health issues, loneliness, and beginning to struggle with adapting to working from home. The feeling of being cooped up within our own four walls may be painful, and as a nation, we need to develop ways to ensure our isolation, does not affect cause any lasting damage to our health.
Remote working is a challenge within itself. However, there are many benefits to working from home or remotely. These include the ability to select where we sit and how we sit, however, ensure you adopt a good posture. You can structure your day. Some little tasks, such as setting timers, could assist in your progression through the day. Once the timer is up, you could review what has been completed, then take a break and then get back to work. Other options are cleaning and storing out those hidden draws. I know it sounds crazy. Utilise the time, have a clear out. It will help clear your mind, as you will feel you have completed the dreaded task that you have needed to do for some time.
Another fundamental approach is communication. Although we may be alone in our four walls, it does not mean we can’t communicate. Understandably talking to someone online is not the same and often misses the human touch we often crave. Engage in online forums and engage in discussion points, focusing on positive things, for instance, cats, dogs, and dancing. Many of us have an elderly relative who we are unable to visit, skype call them, email them if possible. Share the activities you are completing with your littles ones, as although they are unable to visit them, no one will feel they are missing out. If you are writing, join a #ShutUpAndWrite group on Twitter or LinkedIn. Check-in with your loved ones – is a must. Making sure everything is ok, that they feel supported even if there are bricks, roads, and miles between you. Allowing someone to knows they have someone available will assist us all to ride this out.
To assist you through this troubling time for millions, it is vital we develop a can-do attitude, listen to the Government’s guidelines, and adopt healthy choices. Through this period, eating a balanced diet is vital to ensure we are meeting all the dietary needs of vitamins and minerals to remain healthy. However, from witnessing all the stockpiling at the supermarkets, understandably, this could be considered a quite challenging task. Therefore, begin meal prepping, creating a menu, and even getting the children involved. This may assist in taking some pressure off you, as it allows you to see what possibilities you may have lurking in your cupboard or freezer.
As we all know, the expectation is we should be drinking 2 litres of water a day. Especially as now, many of us are going to be less active, with no commuting to work. Drinking more water will keep you dehydrated and reduce the risks of urinary tract infections as we remain indoors. Although we may be isolated indoors, there is plenty of opportunities for us to keep fit. Joe Wicks, for example, is offering exercise classes via this website for free, which are videos and live shows allowing people to interact with one another across the country.
To keep the little ones happy, there are many different teaching resources available such as the ones below. Make their time indoors as fun as possible. Their IPADS and the Television should not be the only thing entertaining them while they are kept indoors. Considering making a fitness routine with them, a dance video, make puppets, play hide and seek. Even consider the good old fashion board games that may be lurking in the cupboard. Another suggestion is acting, create a play. Watch a Youtube video and learn the lyrics. You could even attempt to make housework fun for them.
Since many kids are/will be home from school, sharing an awesome list of ideas from a parent who homeschools.
Tackling the basic needs of an individual, could encourage victims to interact with other services, promote their well-being and motivate the victim to climb Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943), possessing the opportunity to reach self-actualisation. Thus, allowing the victim to live and survive independently. Isolation is further explored by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943), which suggests that people require a foundation layer of support and sense of security: before they can feel comfortable or confident enough to redevelop connections with family and friends and begin to feel confident. In further detail, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (1943) is the physiological driving force that establishes the needs of an individual to achieve their potential and feel empowered. The model consists of five stages, which are categorised into three overall needs. Fundamentally, physiological and safety needs are the basic needs a person requires to survive; belonging, love, and esteem are psychological needs. Self-actualisation is the achievement of the person’s potential, known as the self-fulfilment need.
Understandably, the psychological drivers vary within each case, as Maslow (1943) explains, someone may believe they are hungry and eat when in actuality, they are seeking emotional support, resulting in the person becoming dependent upon their physiological/psychological need, rather than a basic need of survival. Although, love and belonging are not necessary for all, and Maslow (1943) explains that love and freedom do not ensure happiness or the ability to achieve self-fulfilment, as, without the basic needs of safety or food, the love will fail to line their stomachs. When aptly comparing this to a domestic abuse relationship, victims may be blinded by the love or honeymoon stage of their relationship, while the perpetrator entraps them without their basic needs being provided.
Natalie Quinn-Walker 