Chapter VIII:Protective Services 1409- DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

VIII. INTERVIEWING THE ALLEGED PERPETRATOR OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

If the non-offending parent/adult victim believes that interviewing the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence presents a great risk to him or her and the children, the interview with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence can be postponed. Safety of the child always comes first. The safety of children is closely linked to the safety of the non-offending parent/adult victim. Documentation in the case record must reflect of the reasons for the postponement. Once safety is assured, the required face-to-face interview must be conducted.

The interview should be conducted in such a manner that allows for the assessment of the level of danger presented by the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence. This will help to protect the social worker and lessen the risk for children and the non-offending parent/adult victim. The interview with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence affords the opportunity to observe and document behaviors relative to the allegations, both positive and “concerning”. This observation supplements information obtained from police reports, criminal records, hospital/medical records and the non-offending parent/adult victim. The alleged perpetrator of domestic violence should be asked about his or her relationship with the non-offending parent, parenting, safety and well-being of the children. Information obtained from the interview with the non-offending parent/adult victim or the children should not be revealed to the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence. Information obtained from the non-offending parent/adult victim must not be shared with anyone, especially the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence, in such a manner that may jeopardize the safety of the child or the non-offending parent/adult victim. Any disclosures, including information that may seem inconsequential, specifically information about the non-offending/adult victim’s whereabouts and/or schedule if he or she has left the home/relationship, can place the child and non-offending parent/adult victim in grave danger. Focus should be placed on information from third party reports such as law enforcement, medical providers, or the Administrative Office of the Courts. Follow up on legal accountability and/or treatment, and other service referrals for the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence. The interview process should be guided by safety, prudence, respect, limit-setting, documentation, concern about accountability and careful structuring of the interview.

A structured, focused interview is important. The interview should convey to the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence that based on what happened (citing as much information as possible without compromising confidentiality or safety of the children, non-offending parent/adult victim, or the reporter) he or she will be required to take steps to stop the violence and ensure that the children are safe. It is crucial to avoid debates and arguments with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence. It is important to note that he or she may attempt to present himself or herself as the “victim”, to charm the social worker, gain control of the interview, or deny any domestic violence, insisting that the relationship is “perfect.” The focus of CPS is not to convince the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence to admit violent behavior, but discuss how to ensure the child’s safety with him or her.

It is important to set limits within the interview and future interaction with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence and to document the behaviors that make limit-setting necessary and his or her capacity to respect efforts at setting limits.

A separate Safety Assessment from the one completed with the non-offending parent/adult victim, and a separate safety response should be completed after the interview with the alleged perpetrator of domestic violence.