Persistence and Potential Lethality in Intimate Partner Violence: Evaluating the Concurrent and Predictive Validity of a Dual Risk Assessment Protocol

This study seeks to determine the concurrent and predictive validity of a dual risk assessment protocol. It combines the risk of persistence in intimate partner violence (IPV) measured via the Domestic Violence Screening Instrument–Revised (DVSI-R) with supplemental items from the Danger Risk Assessment (DRA) bearing on the risk of potential lethality. We further test whether this assessment protocol reproduces disparities by race and ethnicity found in the larger population. Using a sample of 4,665 IPV male defendants with a female victim, analyses support both types of criterion validity. The DRA risk score is associated with felony charges, incarceration at the initial arrest, and the frequency of subsequent dangerous behavior. Results also suggest minimal predictive bias or disparate impact by race and ethnicity. Incorporating supplemental items bearing on potential lethality risk adds important information concerning the risk management strategies of those involved in IPV.

Is TANF Truly Accessible and Helpful? Victims’ Experiences With Domestic Violence Screening Under the Family Violence Option

This study explores the experiences of domestic violence victims with their Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) applications and the subsequent assessment processes in the state of Georgia, focusing on the conditions related to their disclosure of abuse and their postdisclosure experiences. This study interviewed five victims of domestic violence, four local victim advocates, and three nationally recognized experts regarding domestic violence screening in TANF programs using semistructured interviews. Data were analyzed using grounded theory techniques. The findings showed that the participants perceived TANF application and assessment processes as (i) inaccessible and (ii) unhelpful, lacking special considerations for domestic violence victims. Conditions related to victims’ disclosure of abuse included (i) safety concerns, (ii) working relationships between local victim support agencies and TANF offices, (iii) a safe environment to disclose abuse, and (iv) advocacy. After disclosing their domestic violence history to their TANF caseworkers, the victims reported experiencing (i) a lack of continued assessment and support related to domestic violence and (ii) a compulsion to make final decisions regarding continuing or discontinuing their TANF applications. The current study contributes to the field of social work by providing a better understanding of how and to what extent victims of domestic violence are actually supported within the TANF system and by yielding practice and policy implications for effectively assisting the victims of domestic violence within the TANF system.

THE URGENCY OF APPLYING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SCREENING MECHANISM FOR DIVORCE MEDIATION IN RELIGIOUS COURT

The mediation process in divorce cases is vulnerable to power relation imbalances and domestic violence. Domestic Violence Screening is a set of questions delivered by the mediator to the parties in Religious Court to examine whether domestic violence happens in the marriage. Domestic Violence Screening in mediation is not well known in Indonesia however it has been vastly used in many countries such as USA and Australia. This research tried to explained the benefit of Domestic Violence Screening in divorce mediation in Religious Court and identify whether it can be applied in Indonesia. Screening allows for: a) identification of power relation imbalance and domestic violence; b) domestic violence recording; and c) provide referral services for domestic violence victims. IntisariMediasi perkara perceraian rentan mengalami ketimpangan relasi kuasa dan kekerasan dalam rumah tangga/KDRT. Skrining KDRT (screening domestic violence) merupakan sejumlah daftar pertanyaan yang diajukan oleh mediator kepada para pihak yang berperkara di pengadilan agama untuk memeriksa apakah telah terjadi kekerasan selama ikatan pernikahan. Meskipun skrining KDRT belum dikenal di Indonesia namun telah digunakan secara luas dalam mediasi di berbagai negara. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan gambaran sejauh mana manfaat skrining KDRT pada saat mediasi perkara perceraian dan apakah skrining tersebut dapat diterapkan di Indonesia. Keberadaan skrining memudahkan untuk: (a) mengidentifikasi terjadinya ketimpangan relasi kuasa dan kekerasan domestik sebagai faktor penyebab perceraian, (b) melakukan pendataan kasus KDRT, dan (c) memberikan layanan rujukan kepada korban KDRT.

MISSING PIECE IN THE PUZZLE: The health sector’s role in implementing the DVA

Successful implementation of the Domestic Violence Act is impeded by the absence of specific duties and responsibilities for health sector personnel. This article considers the role that the health sector could play. Although amending the Act would be ideal, alternatives include standardising domestic violence screening guidelines and developing an abuse management protocol for the effective implementation of the DVA. In this way, the health sector can make a significant contribution to reducing levels of domestic violence.