INTERVENTION, PREVENTION, AND REFERRAL STRATEGIES
In the screening process, the provider may identify a situation that has gone unreported for an extended period; or the visit itself may be the result of a violent episode. Interventions with survivors of IPV should be tailored to the individual’s situation, including the severity of the abuse or assault, the current danger to the individual, her or his cultural background, and her or his wishes regarding assistance whenever possible (Portnoy, Colon, et al., 2020) . Preventing injury and eliminating or minimizing continued exposure to violence are key safety considerations once IPV has been identified. Some individuals may wish to leave their abusive relationship immediately, whereas others may not be ready to take that step. Some may wish to pursue legal action, whereas others may wish to delay or forego Intervention Clinical strategies to help victims of IPV can include crisis management, brief interventions, and longer-term supports. Crisis interventions occur when the current threat of violence is great and/or when an acute episode of violence has occurred. These are generally centered on ensuring the immediate safety of the individual and their family. Brief interventions may be appropriate both before and Therapeutic Messages Therapeutic communication when providing care to affected by IPV and/or SA can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the care delivered. Therapeutic messages are critical for reassuring the victim and validating his or her experiences, and can foster additional trust and interaction with the provider (MacMillan et al., 2020) . Examples of therapeutic messages may include the following: ● “This is/was not your fault.” ● “Thank you for telling me what has been happening.” ● “I am here to listen and support you.” ● “You (and your children) deserve to feel safe.” Crisis Interventions Crisis interventions related to IPV often involve engaging with healthcare settings, telephone crisis lines, or emergency shelters. Crisis interventions should always be the first consideration when an individual discloses IPV and may include discussion of how the individual and their family can attend to safety while in the relationship, strategies for exit planning if the individual wishes to leave the relationship, and immediate plans for after having left the abuser. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people were restricted by quarantine or stay-at-home orders, and additional considerations frequently arose (Metheny et al., 2021) . This has led to expanded consideration of how those affected by IPV can remain safe even if unable to physically escape the abusive partner. For many individuals victim defined advocacy , or collaborative safety management with supportive others, became a critical option for managing Emergent Help In addition, make sure that the individual knows to always call 911 for immediate help. Many local IPV and SA agencies can provide the victim with a cell phone that he or she can use to call 911. If the individual does not have a phone and Note: A Word of Caution Remember that the patient can be put at risk if the abusive partner or other family members see information on IPV and/or SA in their possession. For this reason, always ask the patient if it is safe to take the information before providing in it hard copy, and do not insist anyone accept such materials if they do not wish to. Futures Without Violence (formerly the Family Violence Prevention Fund) provides business card-sized materials addressing IPV and health
such actions. Provision of resources and referrals is therefore an important and valuable intervention that providers can offer to those who have experienced IPV, no matter where the victim is in his or her decision to remain in or leave the relationship (Daoud et al., 2020) . In such situations, it is absolutely vital that the provider allow the survivors to make their own choices, and provide safe, effective, and nonjudgmental care (Burton, Nolasco, & Holmes, 2020) . Interventions should validate the victim’s experience through nonjudgmental listening and communication of concern for the person’s safety and well-being, provide information regarding IPV, respond to safety concerns, and include referrals to local resources. after violence has occurred and often include education about IPV and/or SA, referrals to local agencies, and victim advocacy. Crisis interventions and brief interventions may occur simultaneously. Longer-term interventions typically address the physical and psychological consequences of IPV and/or SA, and may include physical and mental healthcare, legal proceedings, or financial supports (Ogbe et al., 2020) . ● “You are not alone.” Therapeutic communication can create a supportive environment, but should also be combined with discussion of immediate safety for the individual and their children, pets, or other family members (Stewart et al., 2020) . With this in mind, it is important that the clinician not insist that the client take any particular action unless unavoidable (i.e. in cases of mandatory reporting considerations, discussed later in this course) or make judgments about the individual’s decisions (Stewart et al., 2020) . safety (Schrag et al., 2022) . Some possible actions that can be taken in collaboration at the time of disclosure include: ● Helping the individual identify friends, family, clergy, and other people who are willing and able to help them. ● Making a list of important items to gather in case of emergency (i.e., identification, car keys, children’s birth certificates, medications, cash, etc.). ● Assisting in accessing services such as housing, childcare, financial assistance services, counseling or support groups, transportation, and legal aid. ● Providing referrals so the individual can pursue their chosen options, such as contacting police or obtaining protection orders. ● Contacting or referring victims to mental health and advocacy services. (Ford-Gilboe et al., 2017; Schrag et al., 2022) is on the run, any police station, fire station, or emergency department should be able to furnish immediate shelter and temporary assistance.
for a variety of populations at no charge (https://store. futureswithoutviolence.org/product-category/hard-copy- products/ ), and these can more readily be hidden safely in a shoe or other less visible location, such as inside an undergarment or sock.
Page 84
Book Code: SWFL1825
EliteLearning.com/Social-Work
Powered by FlippingBook