Why a Domestic Violence Unit in a Child Protection Agency?
Domestic violence and child maltreatment often occur within the same family. It is estimated that over 50% of child abuse cases involve domestic violence. Universal screening and early identification are only the beginning of the solution. Intervention of any kind may increase risk. The safety of all victims must be considered when designing services. The primary focus of intervention should be safety and stability for the child, which is often achieved by helping the non-offending parent and working with service providers and law enforcement to help, and hold accountable, the offending parent. The DSS Domestic Violence Unit aims to integrate knowledge from the fields of domestic violence, child protection and family support. What services does the Unit provide? • Case consultation in child abuse and neglect cases involving domestic violence. • Direct services to DSS involved battered women and their children. • Training on the overlap of child abuse and domestic violence to DSS staff,
