The Human Standard: Overview of Cultural Recovery from Domestic Maltreatment

Abstract

Maltreatment episodes can be described as aspects of a contagious disease. Using a simple model of consciousness, we see how episodes of assault and the associated distortion of information lead to pockets of acquired unconsciousness, otherwise known as learned helplessness. The disease model provides an objective look at categories of assault, and how the criminal justice system becomes part of the problem. The disease model also gives rise to a simple but elegant ethical standard (the Human Standard), which when applied, forms a social immune system to enhance resiliency and empower individuals to build workable routines for better outcomes. Spaces and routines are arranged on purpose to allow for privacy, togetherness, enhanced communication and solving of grievances. These aspects of relationship, I will point out, are first amendment activity. The Human Standard is supported in constitutional law. Routines and floor plan of households, in community, are planned to include coherent and logical boundaries, and built-in options to adjust domestic routines to relieve stress as it comes up. Private homes and common spaces are arranged to support a balance of power within family households, scaling down conflict and eliminating the need for 'rescue' operations. The Human Standard sets up for a living equality and increased resource to eliminate maltreatment in the home.