Domestic Violence Training: A Guide for Teams
Domestic violence is a significant problem in the United States. As someone who works in the human services industry, education, criminal justice, private practice, or healthcare, you will encounter survivors of domestic abuse. Whether physical, emotional, or financial, it is essential to know how to best interact with survivors and identify and/or treat abusive behavior in offenders. Domestic violence training is vital for professionals in all fields. In short, anyone could find themselves in a position of trying to help. The impact strengthens the person, the home, and the community.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic violence, the following facts exist in the U.S.:
- Every minute, 20 people experience abuse.
- Of every 4 women, 1 experiences severe intimate partner physical violence. For every 9 men, 1 experiences similar violence.
- Domestic violence hotlines across the country receive over 20,000 calls on an average day.
- When a gun is present in a domestic violence situation, the chances of homicide increase by 500%.
- People who experience domestic violence have higher rates of depression and suicide.
- Only 34% of those injured by an intimate partner in a domestic violence instance get medical help.
Clearly, individuals impacted by domestic violence need continuous support. It is particularly true for those who work in our child welfare, the criminal justice system, healthcare or education. But, the reality is anyone could come in contact with a survivor or person causing harm. Making sure you and your team is trained could save a life.
What is Domestic Violence?
Since anyone could encounter a survivor, it is essential to understand their experience. The current definition from the U.S. Department of Justice of domestic violence is the following: “The term ‘domestic violence’ includes felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence committed by a current or former spouse or intimate partner of the victim, by a person with whom the victim shares a child in common, by a person who is cohabitating with or has cohabitated with the victim as a spouse or intimate partner, by a person similarly situated to a spouse of the victim under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction receiving grant monies, or by any other person against an adult or youth victim who is protected from that person’s acts under the domestic or family violence laws of the jurisdiction.”
However, it is necessary to include an archived definition from the U.S. Department of Justice. It used to define domestic violence as “… a pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”
So, when considering the question, what is domestic violence, it is vital to know abuse takes different forms. It could include physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse, and more. Further, it is not just between current partners. It is domestic violence if they are currently in a relationship or have EVER been in an intimate relationship with the victim. This means domestic violence can still occur even after separation or divorce, can occur with or without criminal charges, and can occur between family members sharing a home together.
How to Identify Victims of Violence
It’s critical to realize the trauma in those who experience domestic violence. The problem is that many people don’t grasp the ordeals of domestic violence sufficiently. They might see it as a private matter or simply think the person could always leave the situation if they want. But for many victims of domestic violence, there are plenty of reasons why they stay in their abusive relationships. For instance, they may face economic dependence on their abusive partner, religious pressures or may simply not believe they can leave due to the mental abuse they have suffered. Also, they may fear safety for themselves and their kids if they try to leave. When a victim is leaving their abusive partner, it is the most dangerous time and often when we see the greatest escalation. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/domestic-violence
Remember that survivors of abuse might not openly talk about their situation with you or your team. You’ll need to be observant and pay close attention to the details of their lives to identify if they are experiencing domestic violence. There are many signs to look for, but some of the most common ones include isolation, co-dependence, fear or anxiety regarding specific people or events, strict schedules with their spouse, needing to check in frequently with their spouse while meeting with you and others.
Healthcare professionals must train how to identify victims of domestic violence. Educators must train as well. Anyone serving in child welfare or the criminal or civil systems should train as well. The more everyone knows about this issue, the more we can do in our communities. If you suspect a person is suffering abuse at home, ask them without judgment and be prepared to help. Know that many victims will not tell you because it puts them and potentially their children at risk; it’s up to you to know and act accordingly.
Additionally, it is imperative for people to know cultures exist where domestic violence is not recognized as an issue and many victims do not know they are experiencing domestic violence. Thus, a lack of awareness contributes to these situations continuing without intervention.
Find Out About Domestic Violence
Dealing with a Survivor of Abuse
It’s essential to be sensitive to a survivor of abuse. They experience a lot of emotions, not just from the violence inflicted. For instance, they may experience guilt and shame. That could be particularly true if they have children. For example, they may want to leave and take their children, but they don’t know how to do it safely. Additionally, it’s vital to emphasize that no one other than the abuser is responsible for the abuse.
Domestic violence training helps people learn how to manage their own emotions. So, this is a benefit for members of your team during training. For instance, it’s vital to have patience with survivors and their feelings. If you encounter someone who suffered abuse, you may not understand their feelings. Moreover, you may believe you would act differently. But, it’s vital not to personalize someone else’s experience. So, as a rule, it’s important to listen without judgment. Also, when talking to an abuse victim, it’s vital to allow them to lead the conversation.
It’s easy to fall into the path of wanting to help and offer solutions. However, it’s vital when you encounter someone talking about abuse to provide solutions only when they ask. Also, it’s essential to validate their experiences. For example, you have to give cues that you’re listening. You want to stay tuned into their feelings and the pace and tenor of the discussion. Remember, it’s vital to be present for them. And allow the space for them to express themselves fully.
Core Elements for Domestic Violence Awareness Training
As we know, domestic violence is a major problem in the United States. As a professional, you will encounter survivors of domestic abuse with or without your awareness. Further, if you lead a team of professionals who could likely encounter survivors of violence, it’s vital to get your team trained. Knowing how to recognize domestic violence and what to do will strengthen your skills and abilities as a professional. Public service roles have a greater likelihood of encountering a survivor and/or abuser. It can happen anytime, anywhere, and is not limited to any socio-economic status, ethnicity, color, culture, ability, gender or type of individual.
Final Thoughts About Domestic Violence Training
It’s vital to train. It is life saving to train. However, it’s also critical to understand roles and coordination. Training should be ongoing and updated as dynamics or roles shift within your organization. Standards, laws and policies change too. Make sure your team always has the most up to date information by committing to ongoing education. Start with an overview and move out from there. There is so much to learn.
Other training areas could address the needs of people in marginalized communities. For instance, you may want to develop specific training concerning senior abuse, polyvictimization, and human trafficking. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7228861/While people who identify as cisgender female may experience increased experiences of abuse, males and boys are not exempt. And finally, psychological and economic abuse is part of domestic violence. Explore what coercive control looks like and know how to help when the time comes.