Domestic Violence Prevention

In Uzbekistan, domestic violence remains a significant challenge, deeply rooted in cultural norms and societal expectations surrounding masculinity and authority. Recognizing the need for change, the Republican Center for the Social Adaptation of Children (RCSAD) in Samarkand, with support from Vatandosh Connect and funding from the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan, launched a pilot project aimed at addressing these issues head-on. This project, focused on engaging men who perpetrate domestic violence, encouraging them to redefine their roles within their families and communities through a more supportive and non-violent lens.

The Problem: Challenging Traditional Views of Masculinity
In many parts of Uzbekistan, traditional views of masculinity endorse male dominance within the household, often justifying the use of violence as a means of asserting authority. This cultural context has contributed to high rates of domestic violence, a problem that was exacerbated by the social and economic pressures brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pilot project in Samarkand sought to confront these issues by working directly with men to challenge and change their perceptions of masculinity and their roles within the family. Rather than focusing solely on the consequences of violence, the project aimed to address the root causes by fostering a deeper understanding of healthy, non-violent behaviors.

The Solution: Implementing the Plumas Model
The project centered around the Plumas model, a solution-focused group treatment approach designed specifically for domestic violence offenders. This model, developed by John Sebold and Adriana Uken at Plumas County Mental Health Services, and evaluated by Mo Yee Lee of Ohio State University, emphasizes the importance of accountability and solution-building in addressing domestic violence.


Key Aspects of the Plumas Model:

Solution-Focused Treatment: The model encourages participants to take ownership of their behaviors by defining therapeutic goals and constructing actionable solutions, rather than focusing on their problems or deficits. This approach helps offenders see their role in perpetuating violence while providing them with tools to build healthier, non-violent relationships.

Emphasis on Strengths and Competencies: Unlike traditional approaches that often focus on skill deficits or punishment, the Plumas model centers on the strengths and competencies of the participants. By focusing on what men can do, rather than what they cannot, the model promotes positive change through "solution-talk" instead of "problem-talk".

Support of the Legal System: The success of the Plumas model is also contingent on the support of the legal system, which provides strong sanctions against violent behaviors, ensuring that participants are held accountable for their actions.

Implementation and Outcomes
The pilot project was conducted at the RCSAD Samarkand branch, with Vatandosh Connect providing support through their specialist, Professor Andrew Turnell, who recommended the implementation of the Plumas model as an effective approach for the cultural context of Uzbekistan. The program involved a combination of group work sessions, individual counseling, and community engagement.

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Key Activities:

1. Group Work Sessions: These sessions formed the core of the intervention, where men who had exhibited violent behavior towards their families were brought together to discuss their actions and learn from each other. Facilitators used the Plumas model to guide discussions, helping participants identify non-violent solutions and positive behaviors.

2. Individual Counseling: In addition to group work, participants and their families received individual counseling tailored to their specific circumstances, further reinforcing the lessons learned in the group sessions.

3. Community Collaboration: The project worked closely with local mahallas to identify participants and ensure the program was culturally resonant. Community leaders, including religious figures, were involved to help support the program’s goals and encourage broader community acceptance.

Key Outcomes:
Behavioral Changes: Participants reported significant shifts in their attitudes toward violence and their roles within the family. Many men who completed the program showed a commitment to adopting non-violent, supportive behaviors in their interactions with their families. The outcomes were obvious when children in their families noticed a change in their parent's behavior whereas men changed their behavior and used nonviolent methods of communication and conflict-solving.

Increased Awareness: The program successfully raised awareness about the destructive impact of domestic violence and the importance of non-violent solutions. Both participants and their families gained a deeper understanding of how to foster healthy, respectful relationships.

Community Impact: The involvement of local mahallas and religious leaders helped to promote a wider cultural shift, encouraging communities to challenge traditional norms that justify violence and to support non-violent alternatives.

Challenges and Lessons Learned
While the pilot project achieved significant success, it was not without challenges. Resistance from some community members, particularly in rural areas, underscored the deep-seated nature of traditional views on masculinity. However, by involving respected community leaders and aligning the program with Islamic cultural values, these challenges were largely overcome.

Another challenge was the limited scope of the pilot project, which was confined to the Samarkand region due to funding constraints. Despite this, the outcomes demonstrated the potential for broader application across Uzbekistan, provided additional funding and support could be secured.

Conclusion
The pilot project led by RCSAD Samarkand, in partnership with Vatandosh Connect and funded by the U.S. Embassy, represents a crucial first step in addressing domestic violence in Uzbekistan. By focusing on men and challenging traditional views of masculinity, the project has laid the groundwork for significant cultural change. The success of this pilot offers hope for expanding these efforts across the country, transforming the lives of many more families.

The project’s outcomes underscore the importance of culturally sensitive, solution-focused approaches in tackling deeply rooted social issues. While there is still much work to be done, this initiative provides a valuable model for future efforts to reduce domestic violence and promote healthier, more supportive family dynamics in Uzbekistan.