Partner Violence Screening Wendy A. Lutz, MSW Brenda A. Miller, Ph.D Center for Development of Human Services Spring 2002

Definition Partner violence is a pattern of assault and controlling behavior perpetrated by one partner against another. It can include: – Physical attacks. – Sexual attacks. – Psychological attacks.

Prevalence of Partner Violence According to the National Crime Victimization Survey: – 7.7 incidents per 1000 women. – 1.5 incidents per 1000 men. Among homeless it is estimated that 50% are fleeing abuse – this population is not captured in any major survey. 37% of abused women require medical attention 40% of abused women live in households with children under the age of 12.

Victim Characteristics African/American women experienced 35% more violence than White women. Women between the ages of were victimized at the highest rate. Women living in poverty were victimized 3 times more than women in the highest income range.

Victim Characteristics It is important to note that there is no “profile” of a battered woman. Partner violence cuts across all socioeconomic categories, ages and races.

Child Welfare/Partner Violence Connection Perceptions divide the fields of partner violence and child abuse. Current systems divide responses to each of these issues. Integrating our response would be in the best interest of the family.

Child Welfare/Partner Violence Connection Child abuse and partner violence co-occur at a rate of approximately 50%. The most chronically violent husbands had a nearly 100% probability of physically abusing their male children.

Screening Considerations The safety of the partner and the children is the primary consideration. Screening should be done in private without children or partners in the room.

Screening Considerations Brief enough to conduct in the context of the total interview. Thorough enough to gather the appropriate information in order to make a fully informed referral if needed. Instruments should require little or no training to administer.

Screening Considerations Screening instruments should be easily scored. Instruments should give clients an opportunity to disclose abuse beyond physical violence.

Child Welfare Considerations A comprehensive assessment of domestic violence includes: – The indicators of danger – The impact of the domestic violence – The mother’s history of seeking help – The community’s (formal and informal) response

Screening Instruments There are research-based instruments that can be 18 or more questions long. One example is the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus, 1996) Although the CTS is very accurate and provides a wealth of information, it’s length makes it difficult to use in a child welfare interview.

Screening Instruments Most short screen instruments have sprung from the medical field but can be used in child welfare. Short screens include: American Medical Association – 10 questions 1 Partner Abuse Inventory (PAI) 2 Partner Violence Screen 3 Colorado BRFSS 4

Barriers to Disclosing Partner Violence Fear is the overriding barrier for most women Cultural differences Dependence on the abuser Feelings of failure Promises of change or hope from the abuser

Overcoming Barriers Listen non-judgmentally If appropriate, explain the cycle of violence Ask the client what resources she may have available to her (friends, family, churches) Be prepared with other resources Discuss options for the woman’s and the children’s safety Acknowledge the difficulty in disclosing

Recognizing and Treating Alpert et al., 1998 uses the acronym RADAR to help professionals deal with domestic violence – Remember – Ask – Document – Assess – Review

Recognizing and Treating Remember – to routinely ask clients about partner violence. Ask – direct and specific questions Document – effects on woman and/or children Assess – the safety of the woman and children Review – possible options with the woman

Conclusion Partner violence is prevalent in many women’s lives. There is a significant relationship between partner violence and child abuse and neglect. By screening for partner violence in a child welfare setting, we can better protect parent and child and potentially, avoid further injury to the family.