office (410)474-8218
(213)864-7661

 
Domestic Violence and Family Maltreatment--Checklist

 

  
GENERAL SCENARIO BEHAVIOR/SIGNS GENERAL SUPPORTIVE ACTIONS
Domestic violence or family maltreatment is suspected
Offender threatens harm
Offender displays controlling and or jealous behavior
Increase alcohol consummation
Change in work performance/absences from work
Offender denies or minimizes the abuse
Offender blames the victim for the abuse
Offender may appear apologetic and make promises that it will never happen again
Offender may violate protective or no contact orders
Offender pressures victim to recant and reconcile
Victim complains to the commander expressing fear of violence
Victim expresses fears for safety
Victim fears consequences of reporting
Victim minimizes or denies the abuse
Victim may be protective of the offender
Victim may be reluctant to seek medical care or cooperate with command or helping agencies
Victim may express anger toward the command
Suspicious physical injuries
Police respond to arguments at home
Take the information seriously
Ask directly if arguments have involved physical violence (slapping, hitting, shoving, etc.)
Report to EAP.  Ensure that member cooperates with the assessment process.
Express that this is a serious matter and precautions must be taken to ensure everyone’s safety
Inquire if there is a weapon or access to a weapon (e.g., loaded gun).  If weapons are present, work with the watch commander and supervisor to have the weapons removed from the home.
Ensure victim is aware of available support services (i.e.,EAP, chaplain, mental health)
Ensure a safety plan is in place for all family members including children  (consult with FAP)
Consult with legal if considering "no-contact" order
Monitor for suicidal/homicidal behaviors
Periodically check-in with sworn member and family member.  Stay involved.  Support EAP/mental health recommendations.

 

 

 

 

 

 
SPECIFIC SITUATIONS BEHAVIOR/SIGNS TAILORED SUPPORT
Ongoing domestic problems with increased risk of maltreatment and/or violence. (No suspicion of current abuse)
Parties involved may deny potential for abuse
Parties involved display anger and/or resentment
Talk with the squadron member in private
Consult with EAP/mental health
Suggest appointment at EAP/mental health
Suggest relationship therapy/counseling
Consider referral to anger management classes, when appropriate
Consider referral to chaplain
Domestic violence in which the squadron member is the abuser
Family member complains of violence occurring at home
Family member expresses fear of future violence
Family member denies or minimizes the abuse
Family member is protective of the abuser
Family member fears consequences of reporting the abuse
Family member may appear angry and distrustful of command and helping agencies
Notify agency mental health of the incident
Participate with department in the investigation.  Support EAP/mental health recommendations for treatment.
Consider the need for a no contact order--consult with legal
Consider use of temporary lodging  or community safe house as part of the safety plan
Contact family member to inquire about needs (e.g., temporary housing, safe house).  Ensure family member is aware of community programs and services to include victim witness assistance programs and civilian court proceedings.
Ensure adequate safety planning for all family members
Inquire if there is a weapon or access to a weapon (e.g., loaded gun).  If weapons are present, work with the watch commander and supervisor  to have the weapons removed from the home.
Domestic violence in which the squadron member is the victim 
Physical evidence of violence is present
Victim expresses fear/concern over abuse
Coworkers express concern over abusive situation
Victim's work performance declining, coming in late, preoccupied difficulty in concentrating
Victim may deny or minimize the abuse
Victim may violate protective or no contact orders
Victim may blame self for the abuse
Victim may be protective of the abuser
Victim may be angry or hostile toward command and helping agencies
Victim may appear indecisive, lacking confidence
Notify mental health
Direct person to seek medical evaluation for care and documentation of injuries (e.g., photographs)
Participate in the investigation as needed.  Support mental health/EAP recommendations, stay involved by periodically checking in on sworn member and mental health/EAP
Assist member in obtaining a restraining order--work with local authorities
Inquire if the person feels physically in danger at present
Inquire on concerns over weapons in the house
Ask about available support systems and safe places
Offer a referral to chaplain
Provide supportive counseling to remind the victim of the responsibilities towards dependents as a sworn member
Child maltreatment is suspected
Child appears disheveled, malnourished, or unsupervised
Physical injuries such as bruises are evident
Child may be fearful of parent
Child may recant disclosure
Child blames self for injury
Injury is inconsistent with parents explanation or developmental age of the child
Child’s behavior has recently changed (e.g., acting out, decline in academic performance, alcohol/drug use)
Parents deny or minimize the abuse
Parents blame child for the injury
Parents pressure the child to recant
Report to child protective authorities immediately
Support child protective efforts to complete the family assessment
Encourage sworn member and family to participate in any recommended services