The problem investigated in this study is described and explained in this chapter. Statement of purpose, problem setting, history and background of the problem, scope of the project, and importance of the project are addressed.
S.A.F.E. (Stop Abusive Family Environments) is a non profit organization in West Virginia that provides aid and counseling to victims of family violence. S.A.F.E. has achieved significant successes; however, the organization does not function in all areas of West Virginia. The purpose of this project was to propose an alternative policy decision for S.A.F.E. that would extend the organizations services to Mercer County, an area not now served by S.A.F.E.
S.A.F.E. was founded in the early 1980s in McDowell County, and since that time has expanded to other areas of West Virginia. The organizational staff and trained volunteers assist victims of family related violence in obtaining protective orders, refers such victims to legal services, and provides shelter from domestic violence when necessary. S.A.F.E. also conducts public education campaigns related to the prevention of domestic violence, and coordinates with political and social leaders in the development of programs and policies to both aid victims of domestic violence and promote reduction in the incidence of such behavior. History and Background of the Problem
Violence in the United States has reached epidemic proportions (Mason 1 3). Violence is most typically an outgrowth of conflict. Conflict is simply a disagreement between two or more parties over some issue, objective, or behavior. A conflict, thus, is a dispute. Violence is an outgrowth of conflict when peaceful dispute mechanisms fail.
When family members, coworkers, friends, strangers, ethnic and racial groups, and even nations perceive that they are being denied something that they think that they should have (regardless of their justification for such a perception), the typ...