Domestic violence Child abuse Child neglect Institution Affiliated
Domestic violence, Child abuse & Child neglect Institution Affiliated Date
Domestic Violence • Domestic violence refers to any forms of violence or abuse in a domestic setting, particularly between married couples. • When responding to emergency calls on domestic violence, the person on the receiving end must treat the call as high priority or as a life-threatening event – Even when the caller cancels the call the officer must always continue to pursue the event
Separation • Separation can happen at any time but is more advised in events that any interventions are not helping to stop the violence (Roberts, 2002). One should request for separation when: – – There is physical injury There attempts to cause physical injuries One is threatened or sees signs of imminent physical injury One is forced to have sex • The separation can last for as long both parties heal from past experiences but not too long to allow room for development of mistrust
Interviews and Report • General approach- reflects the seriousness of offense (s) and consequences • Separating the parties (victim and suspect) and interviewing them separately • Use sexual assault investigation techniques received in training to get information • Calm the situation before making any move • Take into account fears, confusion and embarrassment • Interview children • Document relevant information in a report – The report should include any weapons used, status of children, any witnesses, medical examinations, time of occurrence, any evidence gathered etc. – This report will be used in court
Helping the victim & Laws of protection • A victim can be helped by: – Exploring warning signs of domestic violence, asking them about it, understanding their actions or lack of it and helping them come up with a safety plan • Some of the laws that protect victims of domestic violence are: – Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 – The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act – Local laws about violence against women – Protective Orders/Restraining orders
Why victims return to abusers • Psychological manipulation by the abuser may make the victim feel that it was their fault and hence return • Sometimes people leave abusive relationship due to anger, resentment or fear but when it all subsides they develop shame, guilt and anxiety which make them go back • Having a strong emotional bond may make one return • Some victims, especially women, return because of the children or because they depend on their abusive husbands • Some cultural/social factors/pressures come into play like when the extended family come together and plead one to “save the marriage” (Aguirre, 1985). • Self-esteem issues where one does not believe they will make it on their own
Arrest • Legal arrests should be undertaken incase a misdemeanor occurred in the presence of the officer or if there is enough evidence to suggest a felon. However, policies vary from one state to another • At the arrest, any weapons used should be collected as evidence; medical records, testimony from witnesses etc. • Dual arrests are not effective because sometimes it is not wise to arrest a victim
Signs of child abuse • Physical – Unexplained injuries like bruises, broken bones, bumps etc. • Emotional – Suicidal feelings, rebellious behavior, social withdrawal, sudden loss of self-esteem, fear and anxiety, depression, sudden hostility, reduced academic performance etc. • Sexual – STIs, pregnancy, blood stains on underpants, genital pain, too much knowledge of sexual behavior, sexually abuses other children Neglect Vs Abuse • Neglect is a persistent failure to provide a child with basic needs like food, shelter, security, healthcare and clothing while child abuse is emotional, physical or sexual maltreatment of a child.
Use of guardian ad litems • The legal standards to be met before a child is removed from its home include: – Obtaining a Court Order Before Conducting an Emergency Removal – Conducting an Emergency Removal Before Obtaining a Court Order – Conducting a Nonemergency Removal • A parent can be stripped of his or her parental rights if he violets the law or, the case of a father, he fails to claim paternity. • A parent can also terminate his or her parental rights by offering the child for adoption
Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) • ICWA applies to state child custody proceedings in which there is an element of American Indian and Alaska Native child. • The tribe of the child must be recognized by the federal government • The child must be unmarried and under the age of 18 • The child must be a tribal member, eligible for membership or the biological child of a tribal member
Role of CASA and Social Services in abuse and neglect cases • Court-appointed special advocates collect information by reviewing documents, talking to abused or neglected children and their family members as well as professionals like teachers and doctors. • Social services take care of abused or neglected children through: – Provision of welfare – Applying for protective/restraining/removal orders – Start court action against abusers or neglectors – Provide counseling to abused or neglected children
References • Aguirre, B. E. (1985). Why do they return? Abused wives in shelters. Social Work, 30(4), 350 -354. • Roberts, A. R. (2002). Handbook of domestic violence intervention strategies: Policies, programs, and legal remedies. Oxford University Press. • Townsend, M. , Hunt, D. , Kuck, S. , & Baxter, C. (2006). Law enforcement response to domestic violence calls for service. Final report for National Institute of Justice, grant, (99 -C), 008.
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