| Training new employees or volunteers in a domestic | | | | added stress of a violent relationship. Help her to |
| violence program can be a daunting task. It is critical | | | | reinforce a positive self image. Understand the the |
| that they understand the ethics of the profession. | | | | fear of the unknown is often more powerful than |
| This outline is an overview of best practices and | | | | the fear of predictable violence. Be a stable |
| ethical advocacy for domestic violence advocates. | | | | reference point in her life. |
| | | | 4. Violence - Reinforce that we all have a right to live |
| 1. Safety - Ensure immediate safety. A DV victim will | | | | a life free from violence. Reassure her that the |
| not be able to think clearly, talk or plan if she is | | | | violence committed by her partner is his responsibility |
| afraid. Explore ways she can maximize her safety | | | | and that she is not in any way to blame for his |
| whether or not she leaves the relationship. Explore | | | | behavior. That whatever 'justifications' are given for |
| options with her - shelter, obtaining a protection | | | | his behavior, they are just that. Let her know life is |
| order, contacting police, getting an attorney, leaving | | | | too short to be subjected to such treatment and |
| the area for an undisclosed location, setting aside | | | | misery. |
| money to leave at a later date, safety planning, or | | | | 5. Information - Provide information and referrals to |
| talking to trusted family and friends. | | | | community resources and domestic violence |
| 2. Emotions - Be sensitive to and discuss her | | | | information. Stay up to date and maintain local |
| emotions. She may never have approached anyone | | | | networks to assure your referrals are appropriate |
| before or she may have sought help so many times | | | | and useful. |
| that she is hesitant to do so again. Listen to her | | | | 6. Confidentiality - Always adhere to best practices |
| feelings. She may be feeling a whole range of | | | | confidentiality policies and assure her that those |
| emotions from anger to guilt. If you recognize | | | | policies are rigid. Respect her wishes regarding follow- |
| unhelpful ideas such as staying for the children's sake | | | | up contact. Let her know you are bound by these |
| or for religious reasons gently and sensitively | | | | practices. |
| confront these. Anger can be well- founded and a | | | | 7. Empowerment - Understand you are not there to |
| motivating factor in taking action. Let her know her | | | | "fix" her life, "rescue" her or make decisions for her. |
| feelings are justified and she is safe in expressing | | | | Help to empower her to make the best decisions for |
| them. | | | | herself by providing options and support. Help to |
| 3. Response - Believe her and recognize her need for | | | | broaden her support system and decrease her |
| a positive response. She is far more likely to minimize | | | | isolation. Tell her about support groups, transitional |
| the problem than exaggerate or enhance it. Help her | | | | programs and job training or education. Open the |
| to assess her strengths and weaknesses. Allow her | | | | door for her but allow her to walk through of her |
| to develop a realistic understanding of her situation. | | | | own free will. Pushing her into actions she is hesitant |
| Some of the things she perceives as weaknesses | | | | to pursue adds to her powerlessness. If she opts not |
| may actually be strengths such as coping with the | | | | to this time ensure her that the door is not locked |
| management of children, work and home despite the | | | | and she is welcome to return anytime. |