Screening For and Addressing Domestic Violence

1. Screening For and Addressing Domestic Violence Lisa Nitsch, Gateway Project Program Manager The House Of Ruth Maryland

2. Why are we here? Why am I here? Why are you here?

3. Federal Fatherhood and Healthy Relationship & Marriage Grants require:All projects must demonstrate the engagement of domestic violence organizations; describe how the programs will appropriately address issues of domestic violence; and establish protocols for identifying and referring victims of domestic violence for services.

4. We will cover the three parts: • Engagement of domestic violence organizations. • Appropriate ways to address issues of domestic violence. • Establishing protocols for identifying and referring victims of domestic violence.

5. Part I: Engaging Domestic Violence Organizations Why are fatherhood programs skeptical of domestic violence service providers? … Come on, let’s be honest.

6. What stereotypes come to mind when you think “domestic violence advocate”?

7. A good DV partner: • Doesn’t approach all men as abusers. • Finds creative ways to engage non-violent men in the agency’s work. • Recognizes that men can be victims of domestic violence. • Provides services for male victims of DV.

8. Why are domestic violence agencies skeptical of fatherhood programs? Now it’s my turn… • Father’s Rights vs. Father Involvement vs. Responsible Fatherhood • Reluctance to acknowledge sexism • Can you be trusted? Do you confront sexism in your programs now? • The curse of the target number – not screening for DV

9. A good Fatherhood partner: • Acknowledges domestic violence exists. (That’s a good start!) • Acknowledges the gender issues in domestic violence. • Acknowledges they are not trained to do intervention work with abusers. • Agrees that physical violence is NEVER acceptable. • Is willing to financially compensate their DV partner for time and effort.

10. Part II: Addressing domestic violence Communication training vs. Conflict resolution vs. Anger Management vs. Domestic violence

11. Abusers know how to communicate! • There is an assumption of respect and equality that is missing in violent relationships. • Abusers manage their anger just fine. • Abuse is a skill set… a very effective one.

12. Mutual Violence • There is no such thing as mutual abuse. • “Mutual violence” takes away someone’s right to be the victim. • Just because both parties hit doesn’t mean they are ready to work together.

13. Part III: Establishing a protocol Know your capacity and the capacity of your partnering agency.

14. Minimum Standard: • Truth in advertising. • Make service referrals.

15. Ideal Partnerships: • Work together to create standard operating procedures for both agencies. • Have cross referrals. • Have cross trainings. • Include each other’s program content in curriculums. • Keep abusive fathers engaged in programs while also receiving domestic violence services and education.

16. Have faith. Your champions will appear. Lisa Nitsch Gateway Project Program Manager House of Ruth Maryland, Inc. 2201 Argonne Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21218 (410) 554-8453 lisanitsch@hruthmd.org