Process for Domestic Violence

UMHHC Policy 02-05-011 on Domestic Violence Care provides the background information. All Social Worker's should be knowledgeable about this policy.

The policy states "If domestic violence is identified, the health care provider will call the Abuse Consultation Team (ACT) at 763-0215 for consultation on reporting requirements, appropriate follow-up, to access a social worker to interview the patient and assess safety, and to notify the ACT that a domestic violence case has been identified or has been referred to the appropriate community agency.

The social worker or health care provider will:

• Assess the severity and frequency of abuse (Exhibit B).
• Work with a patient to develop and implement a safety plan based on the patient's goals and situation (Exhibit C) and offer referrals to the appropriate community and University of Michigan resources.
• Make the proper reports, in accordance with Michigan Law (Exhibit E).
• Document the results of the screening, any abuse and safety assessments and safety plans, referrals, and reports made to a law enforcement agency. (Exhibit D) "

Additional Interventions that should be considered include:

• Education about Crime Victims Fund;
• Resources availability including shelters by county can be obtained from the Domestic Violence Resource Directory.
• A copy of the Domestic Violence Survivor's Handbook.
• Providing a copy of the brochure Civil Justice for Victims of Crime
• National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women - assistance for women charged with crimes

Social work documentation should reflect your awareness of presence of absence of domestic violence.

You might want to read a report from the National Institute of Justice about how health care providers can improve the adminissibility of medical records evidence in in domestic violence cases.

The social worker assigned to handle referrals specifically for Domestic Violence is: Latresa Wiley, MSW 936-3122 pager 32164.

Evidence Based Practice Information

Danis, F.S. The crimininalization of domestic violence. What social worker's need to know. Social Work. 48(2) 237-47, 2003.

Frasier, P.Y., Slatt, L, Kowlowitz, V, Glowa, P. T. Using the stages of change model to counsel victims of intimate partner violence. Patient Education and Counseling 43: 211-217, 2001.