Clinical Report: Enhancing Family Involvement in Services Addressing Family Violence
Overview
This systematic realist review identifies barriers and facilitators to family engagement in services addressing family violence (FV) based on findings from 24 studies. Key facilitators include provider-family rapport and family-centered approaches, while barriers encompass socioeconomic challenges and inadequate accessibility, as evidenced in the reviewed literature.
Background
Family violence (FV) encompasses various forms of violence among family members, significantly impacting all involved, particularly mothers and children, as shown in multiple studies. Effective engagement in FV services is crucial for reducing its negative effects and improving quality of life. Understanding the barriers and facilitators to engagement, as identified in the literature, can help optimize service delivery and participant retention.
Data Highlights
This review synthesized findings from 24 studies focusing on engagement in FV services, including qualitative and quantitative research that highlights various barriers and facilitators.
Key Findings
Facilitators of engagement include priming sessions, provider-family rapport, and empathy, as identified in the reviewed studies.
Barriers to engagement consist of socioeconomic challenges and competing demands, supported by the literature.
Family-centered approaches that consider familial needs are essential for effective service delivery, as indicated in the findings.
Long service durations and intense initial meetings can deter participation, according to the studies reviewed.
Interagency collaboration is recommended to enhance service effectiveness, as noted in the literature.
Clinical Implications
Strategies to improve family engagement in FV services should focus on enhancing initial interactions and maintaining rapport throughout service delivery, as indicated by the findings. Addressing socioeconomic factors and ensuring accessibility are critical for participant retention, based on the evidence reviewed.
Conclusion
The findings from the review highlight the importance of understanding barriers and facilitators to enhance family engagement in FV services, which is essential for effective intervention, as supported by the literature.
