Protecting Victims
1. All victims of domestic violence should have a safety plan. There are lots of models out there – here are three possibilities:
- American Bar Association
- AARDVARC: An Abuse, Rape and Domestic Violence Aid and Resource Collection
- National Domestic Violence Hotline
2. Do not publish images, or names of any domestic violence victims involved in a specific treatment program without explicit permission of that person.
3. In residential substance abuse treatment facilities, make sure front desk staff have been properly briefed on how to protect clients.
- Front desk staff may be given a daily list of expected visitors, along with a list of visitors who should not be given access to any clients (DV perpetrators).
- Clients should be made aware of the strategies a perpetrator may use outside the facility to learn about the whereabouts or well-being of a victim. (Clients may be manipulated into divulging information by a seemingly friendly perpetrator.)
4. Do not offer family therapy or mediation to any family system struggling currently with domestic violence.
5. Make sure adult victims have access to targeted services, including:
- Legal services (order of protection, immigration, etc.)
- Housing
- Financial assistance
- Vocational/educational training
- Therapeutic groups
- Support groups
- Family therapy
- Child therapy
6. Be aware that repeated relapse episodes may be related to a pattern of forced substance use that is a form of domestic violence.
7. Be sensitive to the many different ways an abusive partner may exert power and control. Violence is not only physical. When a victim states that he or she cannot do something because it might put them in danger, err on the side of caution.
8. Staff should stay on the alert for any nearby loiterers who may be stalking a victim.
9. Review policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure they are trauma informed. Be aware that many everyday activities in a treatment setting may trigger memories and flashbacks of past violent episodes and may result in decompensation for a vulnerable client.
10. Encourage clients to inform counselors when they have been threatened so special precautions can be taken.
