Using Self Sufficiency Policy to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence

1. Using SelfSufficiency Policy to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence Retired Net-link Update Nov. 2005

2. For questions on this power point contact… • Carol Krager. . . • Intervention Program Analyst • CAF – Self-Sufficiency Programs • (503) 945-5931 • Jayne Downing… • Executive Director • Mid-Valley Women’s Crisis Service • (503) 378-1572

3. Instructions: • This power point contains questions and answers and scenarios. After each question or scenario you will find a green screen with the answer or scenario considerations. • If you have questions about these activities, contact the folks on the previous screen.

4. Self Sufficiency Programs define Domestic Violence as: The occurrence of one or more of the following acts between family members, intimate partners or household members: • physical injury or emotional, mental or verbal abuse. • fear of imminent serious physical injury. • Committing sexual abuse in any degree as defined in Chapter 163 of the Oregon Revised Statues • Using coercive or controlling behavior

5. Considerations… • This definition is broader than most definitions in that it includes household, family members as well as intimate partners. • The Self-sufficiency definition of domestic violence varies from definitions within DHS and from the criminal definition of domestic violence. • The self-sufficiency definition is codified in ORS 411.117. • The term “domestic violence” is jargon and varies from person to person. Focus on the behaviors as opposed to the term.

6. What is the greatest risk factor for being a victim of domestic violence? • Poverty • Race • Religion • Gender

7. Answer… • D: Though domestic violence is seen in every socioeconomic class; race and religion…according to FBI statistics 95% of domestic violence is male perpetrated against female. Even though the majority of the crimes are against females, domestic violence can and does happen where the violence is perpetrated by women and in same sex relationships. Any form of domestic violence is unacceptable, regardless of who the perpetrator is.

8. Case Study An 18 year old teen parent living with her mother and step father is applying for services because her step father is getting increasingly verbally abusive. Would this situation meet our definition of domestic violence? Why or why not?

9. Response: • The teen parent’s situation would meet the definition of domestic violence… • Her step-father (family member) is getting increasingly verbal abusive. Verbal abuse is part of the self-sufficiency definition. Escalation of behaviors should always be considered as increased risk.

10. Case Study A client with a roommate is fearful of her roommate because she is getting more and more controlling, threatening the client and her child, then apologizing after the fact. Would this situation meet our definition of domestic violence? Why or why not?

11. Response: • Yes, the roommate is a household member. The behaviors are threatening and the client is fearful.

12. What percentage of TANF clients have disclosed current or past abuse? • 30% • 40% • 50% • 60%

13. Answer: • #4 – In 1996, before we screened for domestic violence, a case review of over 4000 cases showed that 50% of the clients had experienced violence at some point in their life. Other states studies of TANF show similar numbers. We believe if we did the same type of review today the number would be even higher because we now screen for domestic violence through questions on the application and with other screening tools.

14. Domestic Violence Intervention Requirements • Identify past, current and potential victims of domestic violence. . . • Provide individualized case management for families affected by domestic violence. . . • Refer victims to appropriate services including counseling and support services. . . • Waive or modify TANF requirements that make it more difficult for families to escape violence or that put them at further risk of violence. • Staff waiving requirements or doing case planning are required to have training on domestic violence

15. Screening…

16. How do you screen for domestic violence locally? • On a separate piece of paper list ways you screen for domestic violence. • Who participates in the screenings?

17. Did you get all these ways? • The application • Self-disclosure • Referrals from service providers • Local assessment tools – DHS 7823 • Interview • Home visits • Injuries • Other indicators . . . verbal & non-verbal cues

18. Questions??? • What are the questions on the Application for Services (415F) which can help you identify domestic violence?

19. Answer: • Checking box for DV help • Do you need to get away from an abusive or unsafe situation? • Check here if your partner or spouse makes you afraid by threatening, yelling, or physically hurting you or your children. • Do you think this parent might cause harm to you or the child if we try to establish the parent’s identity and we pursue child support and health care coverage?

20. The primary concern when working with a family affected by domestic violence is…

21. Promoting Safety as part of Case Management • Never interview the client when a possible abuser is present • Make sure that the address you mail notices to is a safe one - if not, hand deliver notices • Narrate on TRACS unless there is a safety concern • If it’s not safe to use a client’s name or social security number on the system, we can use an alias and/or “T” number for Food Stamps • Always staff this with your Operations Managers

22. Don’t Narrate On-Line if... • If the abuser is in the household • The abuser or his family member works for DHS or a partner agency with access to TRACS • The abuser works for law enforcement • The client believes the abuser can access our computer systems

23. When is a battered woman in most danger of being killed? • When the abuser is drinking • If she fights back • When attempting to leave the relationship

24. Answer: • #3 – The victim is at a much greater risk when leaving the situation. Abusers are likely to escalate their behaviors when they feel they are losing control of the victim.

25. Case Study You’re on an unannounced home visit. The client meets you at the door and appears very nervous. She keeps looking towards the back part of the house. You notice that she has a healing bruise that looks like finger marks on her upper arm. The client has not disclosed domestic violence on her re-application. What action would you take?

26. Considerations: • Safety is the most important factor. If you suspect the abuser is present, do not ask any questions related to DV. • Options: • Invite the client out to the car - make excuse of having left something in the car • Ask the client to come into the office

27. What are the Warning Signs of an Abuser? • Isolation • Jealousy • Emotional Abuse • Control • Charm • All of these

28. Answer: • #5 – All of the above Charm: Abusers can be very charming. In the beginning they may see like “prince charming”. He may use the charm to get personal info from her. • Isolation: Abusers isolate victims geographically and socially. Examples: moving from place to place; isolation from friends and family

29. Continued: • Jealously: Jealously is a tool abusers use to control the victim. Example: Constantly accuses the victim of having affairs. • Emotional Abuse: The goal of emotional abuse is to destroy the victim’s self esteem. He blames her for the violence, puts her down, calls her names and makes threats against her

30. Continued: • Control: Abusers are very controlled and very controlling people. In time, the abuser will control every aspect of the victim’s life: where she goes, what she wears, whom she talks to. • Though they may appear out of control, they are very much in control as shown by: • He abuses in secret • He does not abuse other people - even if they make him “mad” • He can stop the abuse when the phone rings or someone comes to the door – showing great control • The abuse often escalates from pushing to shoving to hitting in places where the bruises and marks won’t show – it takes control to direct where kicks or punches land

31. Case Study You are interviewing a couple. The man answers all the questions. When you do direct a question to the woman, she looks to the man before answering. This has happened on several visits. It also appears that the woman cannot get it together. She is late for activities, misses some altogether and seems distracted when she does attend. The man, on the other hand, appears to have it together and attends all activities you schedule. You are interviewing the man and he is putting down his wife and trying to get you to go along with him. What do you do?

32. Considerations: • Do not remain silent (silence implies agreement) • Say something like…we’re here to talk about … • Do not ask questions about potential domestic violence • Set up an appointment for the client separate from her husband • Discuss her performance only with her…not her husband • Screen for potential domestic violence when it’s safe to do so

33. Case Planning and the Domestic Violence Assistance Agreement When there is a safety concern!

34. Principles Include: • Believing domestic violence survivors • Understanding that the survivor is not responsible for the abuse • Recognizing the survivor needs to make her own decisions about safety • Providing resources • Involving the Experts • Addressing the affect of violence on the survivor’s ability to participate in our activities

35. Asking the right questions! • What are your safety concerns? • Are you currently in shelter? If yes, are you working with an advocate? • Where are you staying? Is this a safe place to stay temporarily? • What kind of help are you receiving now or have you received in the past? How does/did that work for you?

36. Continued… • Tell me about any appointments or other things you’re having to deal with so I can address them in your plan. • Is the address you gave a safe one to send information to? • What do you need to keep you and your children safe?

37. Who is responsible for the abuse? The victim is not responsible for the abusers behaviors…

38. What causes domestic violence? • Witnessing domestic violence as a child • Alcohol and/or drugs • A personal choice to be violent • Anger and rage • All of the above

39. Answer: • If you pick #3 – you are correct • This is why we know the following aren’t true… • Studies show that 30% of male child witnesses choose to become abusers as adults, remember violence works to get what you want. 70% do not grow up to be abusers, in fact many become advocates for children when they grow up. • Alcohol and drugs do not cause DV. DV is a choice. Many abusers will have alcohol or drugs present so they can use it as an excuse. The abuse will not stop if the abuser stops drinking or using. Not all abusers drink or use.

40. Continued: • Domestic violence has nothing to do with anger. Anger is a tool abusers use to get what they want. We know the abusers are very much in control because they can stop when they want. Nor is it about stress or tension. We all have stress and tension in our lives and we do not go home and choose to abuse the people we say we love. • An abuser chooses to use violence to maintain power and control over the victim. When other tactics stop working (isolation; emotional abuse; threats; etc.), abusers are more likely to escalate to physical violence.

41. Case Planning • Focus on safety • Develop Case Plans with the experts • Provide the survivor with options, not mandates • Allow the client to take small steps, build on successes • Respect the client’s confidentiality

42. Continued • Recognize the client may be participating in activities through the court, the shelter or other service providers • Penalties can be waived when domestic violence is a factor • Don’t forget the children

43. Possible steps in the case plan • Referral and coordination • Help with housing or relocation (what does she feel is safe?) • If moving out of area have a plan for where she’s going • Counseling/medical appointments as needed for the client and children • Court appointments (grand jury, etc.) if applicable • Other steps as appropriate in that specific case • Plan to meet future housing costs

44. What Would you narrate...if it’s safe? • Narrate Safety Concerns • Narrate the DV Assistance Plan • Narrate Payments • Narrate Child Support issues • Using the TRAC’s TA-DVS Addendum is an option and would be considered part of the narrative.

45. Second or Subsequent Requests for Help • A victim returns to the abuser an average of seven times before leaving for good • Leaving is a Process - Not an Event!

46. Ask more questions! • What worked or didn’t work for you when you left before? • What do you think will work this time? • How did “name the abuser” convince you to reconcile? • How can we help you so that you can stay safe this time? • Staff the case with central office to identify other options and to resolve any policy questions

47. What can you say to a survivor if she returns to the abuser? • You can tell her that you are concerned for her safety or her children’s safety • You can tell her that domestic violence is a pattern and usually gets worse over time • You can tell her that you care about her • You should tell her that you (or someone from DHS) will be there if she needs help in the future

48. Case Study A client is back, applying for TA-DVS. She has left her boyfriend several times before and now wants to leave, again. She received $1200.00 six months ago to leave. You really don’t want to approve additional funds. When you express your concerns about the relationship with the client, she is tearful and says she really wants it to work. What do you do?

49. Considerations: • Victims want the violence to stop, not necessarily the relationship. • You need to staff the case with central office. • You can say…I’m concerned for your safety. • No one deserves to be abused • This program is to help someone flee and stay free from abuse. • If she returns, you can say, if it doesn’t work out, call me.

50. Know your Policy!