When should domestic violence be reported as child abuse or neglect?
Domestic violence is a pattern of assaultive or coercive behaviors, including physical, sexual and emotional abuses, as well as economic coercion that adults use against their intimate partners to gain power and control in that relationship. Domestic violence is present in all cultures, socio-economic classes, communities of faith, etc. Domestic violence almost always increases in intensity, severity and/or frequency. The presence of domestic violence is a risk for children. However, not all situations of domestic violence require a report to DHS or law enforcement. DHS’s authority to intervene with families is based on whether a child is being physically abused, sexually abused, neglected, suffering mental injury, or is being subjected to an activity or condition likely to result in substantial harm. A report to DHS or law enforcement is necessary when there is reasonable cause to believe there is current domestic violence or the alleged abuser has a history of domestic violence and o
