Domestic violence is nowadays a talk of the day; new cases emerge daily. Families have issues that most can amicably resolve while others cannot and can advance to violence. It is very important to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves to save lives and suffering at the hands of violent partners. Couples having issues are common, but there should always be a way of peacefully solving them, either among themselves or involving a third party, without subjecting one partner to suffering.
A client calls our organization’s domestic violence toll-free number seeking help. As a routine, we let our clients give a detailed description of the ordeal before deciding on the appropriate way to assist effectively. I listened to her and then suggested that we meet and have a one-on-one conversation since she was uneasy over the phone and I could not get detailed information about her case. Luckily, she agreed, and we arranged a meeting in our office.
I made appropriate preparations to ensure that the client would feel very comfortable and at ease in opening up. I greeted and ushered her to one of the counseling rooms when she arrived. I introduced myself and gave her a brief description of our organization and our successes in assisting our clients; this introduction was meant to familiarize her with the environment and the person she would talk to. We then started the conversation; I allowed her to express herself before asking questions to seek clarity on some matters. While listening and careful not to discourage or make her feel insecure, I was careful not to express my surprise or astonishment at some of the sensitive issues she opened up about.
Her case was rather disturbing since she encountered all she did in the presence of people who were fully aware that things were not right but did nothing about it. It is worrying to see people walk away to avoid a couple engaging in a heated confrontation; surprisingly, those who manage to remain behind are left watching without intervening. Only a few people can gather the courage to calm themselves down and inquire about what could be the problem or ask a violent partner to leave (Avalance, 2014). If the matter gets out of hand, these concerned individuals can decide to involve the police.
I listened to her case and noted all the relevant information I needed to aid her decision-making on whether to ask her to leave her marriage or not. Considering the degree of abuse she had been subjected to, her life was at risk, and I had no alternative but to ask her to leave her abusive husband. I had to develop a plan on how she would leave unharmed, even if it meant involving relevant authorities to protect her while leaving. This is critical since it ensures no more harm or life is lost during the process.
Reports are critical in any presented case since it contains all the relevant information and how the decision was reached. It can also be used as a reference in making decisions on similar subsequent cases. There are specific steps in writing reports that enhance coherence. Most agencies have a useful safety plan form when handling a domestic violence case, and every employee must be conversant with it. Battered Women’s Justice Project and American Bar Association Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence are some of the agencies supporting clients in domestic violence situations.
Reference
Sir. Avalance. (2014). What would you do domestic violence boyfriend abused his girlfriend in public [Video]. YouTube.