Information campaign on domestic violence and child abuse, around the theme of shame
Domestic violence and child abuse occur everywhere, all over the world and in all kinds of families. Addressing the situation promptly can make a big difference. This can be done through the various support organisations and also through the victim’s social network or by the victim themselves.
Breaking through shame
Everyone knows the feeling of shame. However, what shame can do to you, how it is expressed, and how to break through it is less well known, especially in relation to violence in the family. A four-part film follows a family in which shame is expressed in various ways. In the first part, we look at attacking others. In Part 2, we see that the mother chooses to run away from her problems and why Oscar chooses to attack someone else. In Part 3, we see the father’s struggle within the family, and Part 4 provides insight into the behaviour of ignoring and running away, which are also ways in which shame is expressed.
Oscar is 10 years old and lives with his sister and their mother. His parents have a difficult relationship with each other. In terms of behaviour, Oscar resembles his father, and his mother has a hard time dealing with that. Watch Part 1 of Bergwensa (Shame) here.
Whereas Oscar chose to attack in Part 1, in Part 2 you see Oscar’s mother chooses to run away. She chooses to go to the gym a lot to avoid having to think about her problems. In this part of the film, it also becomes clear why Oscar bullies Vienne. Watch Part 2 of Bergwensa (Shame) here.
In Part 3 of Bergwensa (Shame) you see how Oscar’s father struggles with the situation. He wants to play a bigger role in the family, but doesn’t get the chance to do so. He is also afraid that his ex might prevent him from contacting his son, that she might use this to her advantage. He therefore finds it difficult to contact his son, whom he misses so much.
In Part 4 of Bergwensa (Understanding) you can see how Oscar’s mother comes to an understanding. She sees the effect her behaviour has on Oscar. It is not her intention to make him feel sad. She promises, like her daughter, that from now on she will think more carefully about what she says. She is also going to spend more time with her family.
Would you prefer to watch the film Bergwensa in its entirety? Then follow this link: https://youtu.be/I8g2AlIG0ys
Many people are quite capable of changing their lives as long as sufficient resources are available to them. A helping hand can sometimes be just the push someone needs. The year-long campaign will address domestic violence and child abuse and the theme of shame in various ways.
The support organisations involved are the Public Entity of Bonaire, Sentro Akseso Boneiru, Care and Youth Caribbean Netherlands (ZJCN), the Dutch Caribbean Probation Service (SRCN), Mental Health Caribbean, the Guardianship Council and Praktijk Ondersteuning Huisartsen (General Practice Support). Prevention and education are included in the ‘Administrative Agreement on Addressing Domestic Violence and Child Abuse in the Caribbean Netherlands (Bestuursakkoord aanpak huiselijk geweld en kindermishandeling CN) signed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport and the public bodies.
