Confronting Family Violence

A Practical Assessment of Family Violence

Domestic violence may include, not only intimate partner relationships of spousal or live-in partners and courtships (dating), but also familial relationships.  Elder and child abuse may also be present in a violent home. Abuse generally falls into one or more of the following categories: physical battering, sexual assault, and emotional or psychological abuse, including destruction of property and pets. All forms generally escalate over a period of time.

According to the National Coalition of Domestic Violence, battering is a pattern of behavior used to establish power and control over another person, with whom an intimate relationship is or has been shared through fear and intimidation, often including the threat or use of violence. Battering happens when one person believes that they are entitled to control another.

In 1994 the Violence Against Women Act, (VAMA) lead the national effort to stop domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Violence Against Women Office works with U.S. Attorneys to ensure enforcement of the federal criminal statutes contained in the 1994 Act, assists the Attorney General in formulating police related to civil and criminal justice for women, and administers more than $270 million a year in grants to help state, tribes and local communities transform the way in which criminal justice systems respond to crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

Coming up with a different strategy to combat family violence is not just an issue for law enforcement, but for all that come in contact with the victim. The medical profession, social services, prosecutors, shelters, judges, probation, parole, to name a few, are key components to ending this vicious cycle of abuse. This program will be geared toward giving helpful strategies to each professional  who will come in contact with victims and their children.

Learning Goal

• Demonstrate practical understanding and working knowledge of the theories and dynamics of family violence to law enforcement and other service providers in the Criminal Justice system;
• Identify  the major characteristics of the cycle of violence;
• Identify the role of the first responding officer on a family violence call for service;
• Recognize the urgent need to break the cycle of violence;
• Realize the importance of following up on investigations;
• Identify serial family violence offenders;
• Demonstrate understanding of the need for total community commitment;
• Familiarize law enforcement and other helping professionals on civil liability issues;
• Identify different types of offenders;
• Understand the different phases of violence; and
• The role of social services vs. law enforcement  in child abuse cases.