How to Work with Domestic Violence Victims:

Crisis Intervention, Counseling and Court Advocacy

Paul R. Kutylo

Schaumburg Police Department

1000 W. Schaumburg Rd.

Schaumburg, IL 60194

(847) 882-3534

and

Lawrence M. Wieczorek, LCSW, ACSW

Barrington Place

18-4 E. Dundee Rd. - #103

Barrington, IL 60001

(847) 304-0996

Domestic Violence is the hostile, unwanted, forceful invasion of a domestic partner's person through physical or verbal force, or pursuing types of behaviors. What this means is hitting, pushing, shoving, yelling, name calling, threatening, stalking, unwanted phone calling, beeping, e-mailing, extorting, and other such behaviors. It is ethically wrong, a social taboo and criminal to do these behaviors in the privacy of a home or in public. To be Domestic Violence it must be in a domestic type of relationship, that is, spouse (or ex), date (or formerly dated), parent-child, co,parent, a$air partner, or roommate. It breeds in the privacy of the home; and is found in all classes, professions, economic statuses, races, religions. ages, and cultures.

Alcohol and drugs are among the contributing eau ses: also. the cultural customs, and roles of women/men, and the value /devaluing of women in different cultures. Domestic Violence can happen when women step out of these traditional roles. Mental illness arid not taking prescribed medications c;;in lead to out-0f-control behavior. Sometimes Domestic Violence is the product of a free choice to victimize. another person. It can also be learned from seeing one parent abuse the other. Often a physical fight can be a symbol that emotionally the relationship is at an end

How to work with the victim:

Crisis Intervention: This includes follow-up phone calls, an interview and assessment, education, a safety plan, a Police report and/or arrest, an Order of Protection, provding transportation to/from a Domestic Violence shelter and Court and other services.

Counsel: This includes asking questions and assessing the full extent and nature of the problem areas: educating as to acceptable vs. violent behavior between domestic partners; Anger Management Counseling; making escape plans and using Police and Courts; getting an Order of Protection; alcohol and drug evaluation and treatment; divorce counseling; financial problems and assistance options .and other issues.

Court Advocacv: This requires being with the client throughout the court hearings, interpreting Court terminology and roles of various Court personnel; preparing the paper work for Order of Protection, getting them to the correct office and Court room on time arid prepared.

Victims will pursue help when they get the love beaten out of them, want away from the hurtine, or find a way out. Social Service Workers can provide the help that they need