Man shares journey of change during domestic violence awareness event in Daytona Beach – WESH

Community Initiative Addresses Domestic Violence in Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

An event organized during Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Daytona Beach, Florida, highlighted a multi-organizational effort to provide education and resources concerning domestic violence. This initiative directly supports several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by addressing the root causes and impacts of violence within the community.

Collaborating Organizations and Targeted Outreach

The effort represents a partnership between local community groups to foster safer environments, aligning with SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The participating entities included:

• The TurnAround Foundation
• Free Spirit Evangelist Outreach Ministries
• Cradles of Greatness

The event was held at the Daytona Beach Garden Apartments, focusing on lower-income, subsidized housing areas. This targeted approach is crucial for SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, as it aims to ensure access to information and resources for marginalized populations often lacking awareness.

Programmatic Intervention: A Case Study in Rehabilitation and Well-being

The report focuses on the testimony of Damian Anderson, a former perpetrator of domestic violence, whose transformation underscores the initiative’s success in promoting personal and community well-being.

Fostering Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3)

Mr. Anderson’s experience highlights the critical link between mental health and violent behavior. He identified mental health issues as a primary driver of domestic violence and advocated for seeking professional help. The 29-week court-ordered program he completed, run by Dr. Ruth Plummer of Free Spirit Evangelistic Outreach Ministries, directly contributes to Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. Key outcomes of the program included:

1. Development of “reconstructive thinking” to alter behavioral patterns.
2. Cultivation of patience as an alternative to aggression.
3. Establishment of a supportive environment where participants feel heard.

Advancing Gender Equality and Reducing Violence (SDG 5 & SDG 16)

By rehabilitating aggressors, the program actively works to eliminate violence against women and children, a core component of SDG 5: Gender Equality. Mr. Anderson’s commitment to co-parenting peacefully for the well-being of his son demonstrates the program’s positive impact on family structures. This effort also aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, by working to significantly reduce all forms of violence (Target 16.1). Mr. Anderson’s return to the program as a mentor exemplifies a sustainable model for peer-led intervention, inspiring other men to reject violence and fostering a culture of peace within the community.

Conclusion: Building Safer, Inclusive, and Sustainable Communities

The Daytona Beach initiative serves as a model for community-based solutions to domestic violence. By integrating mental health support, targeted outreach, and rehabilitative justice, the program makes significant contributions toward building safer and more inclusive communities, as envisioned in SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities. The transformation of individuals like Damian Anderson provides tangible evidence that such programs can break cycles of violence, promote well-being, and advance global development goals at the local level.

Resources

For immediate assistance, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-SAFE or by texting “START” to 88-788.

Analysis of SDGs in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The article directly connects domestic violence to mental health. Damian Anderson, the former batterer, states, “Domestic violence, I really do think it starts from a mental health standpoint.” The focus on counseling and “reconstructive thinking” through a 29-week program highlights the importance of mental well-being as a crucial component in addressing and preventing violence.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality: The core issue discussed is domestic violence, a significant form of gender-based violence that disproportionately affects women. The article mentions Anderson’s crime was “domestic battery involving his son’s mother,” placing the issue within the context of violence against women. The awareness event and resources provided are direct efforts to combat this problem.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This goal is relevant as the article discusses the reduction of violence and the role of the justice system. Anderson’s participation in a “29-week court-ordered program” shows an institutional response to violence. The program’s success in his rehabilitation and his subsequent efforts to inspire other men contribute to building a more peaceful community by breaking the cycle of violence.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • The article strongly supports this target by emphasizing the mental health origins of domestic violence and promoting counseling as a solution. The program Anderson completed focused on “reconstructive thinking,” a clear effort to improve mental well-being to prevent violent behavior.
2. Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • The event organized by The TurnAround Foundation and other groups is a direct action aimed at eliminating domestic violence. By providing education and resources, especially in “lower-income, subsidized housing areas,” the community is actively working towards this target.
3. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • The rehabilitation program for batterers is a key strategy for reducing violence. Anderson’s transformation from a “former batterer” to someone who teaches others to choose non-violent paths (“It will open your mind to other things besides just like, straight violence”) is a testament to efforts aligned with this target.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• For Target 3.4 (Promote mental health):
  • Number of individuals completing mental health and behavioral programs: The article explicitly mentions Anderson completing a “29-week court-ordered program.” The number of participants and graduates of such programs serves as a direct indicator of intervention efforts.
  • Qualitative changes in behavior and thinking: Anderson’s testimony about learning “patience” and achieving “reconstructive thinking” is a qualitative indicator of the program’s success in promoting mental well-being.
• For Target 5.2 (Eliminate violence against women):
  • Availability of support services: The article mentions the National Domestic Violence Hotline and local organizations providing resources. The number of such services and their accessibility (e.g., the 24/7 hotline) are indicators of a support system for victims.
  • Number of community awareness events: The event at Daytona Beach Garden Apartments is an example. The frequency and reach of such educational initiatives, particularly in underserved areas, can measure progress in raising awareness.
• For Target 16.1 (Reduce all forms of violence):
  • Recidivism rates for domestic violence offenders: While not stating a number, the article implies a positive outcome. Anderson’s choice to voluntarily return to the program to help others (“he wanted to come back. He’s an inspiration to the other men”) suggests a low or zero recidivism rate for him, which is a key indicator of the effectiveness of rehabilitation in reducing future violence.
  • Number of reported domestic battery incidents: The article mentions Anderson was “booked in 2023 for domestic battery.” A reduction in the number of such bookings over time would indicate progress toward this target.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs	Targets	Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being	Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.	Number of individuals completing behavioral/mental health programs (e.g., the 29-week program). Qualitative reports of changed mindsets (e.g., “reconstructive thinking”).
SDG 5: Gender Equality	Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls.	Number of community awareness events held. Availability and use of support services like the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions	Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence.	Recidivism rates for offenders completing rehabilitation programs. Number of reported domestic violence incidents over time.

Source: wesh.com