Violence against women and children: What we know and where to go from here

Jacquelyn W. White, PhD

The present talk draws upon the conclusions of more than 30 multi-disciplinary experts that contributed to a book series to be published by the American Psychological Association that consists of summaries of current knowledge that are accessible to the wide range of professionals who work in the areas of child maltreatment, sexual and physical violence. This presentation will discuss the scope of the problem and it devastating short-term and long term consequences. Risk and protective factors at various levels of a person’s life, including the interpersonal, community and societal, will be identified. Finally, consensus recommendations which emerged from the series highlight the need for improvement in definitions (for legal as well as research purposes), assessment strategies, and theories that have implications for prevention, intervention and treatment.  Whether one is moved by empathy for personal suffering or by practicalities such as monetary costs or some combination, action cannot wait.

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will:

• Know the definitions of child maltreatment, sexual assault and domestic violence.
• Know the incidence and prevalence of violence against women and children in the United States and the basis for the known statistics.
• Be able to cite several practical solutions to at least three of the myriad dilemmas facing researchers, practitioners, and policy makers.

The Impact of Domestic and Sexual Violence on Children

Nancy S. Hagman, M Ed, LMHC and Jennifer Paveglio, MSW, LCSW

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will:

• Be able to identify three ways children are impacted by Domestic and/or Sexual Violence.
• Be exposed to some of the research on brain development of children that experience Domestic and/or Sexual Violence.
• Be able to describe the impact of domestic violence on potential sexual offenders.

Routine Screening, Assessment, and Triage for Domestic Violence in General Clinical Practice

Susan E. Walch, PhD and Robert J. Rotunda, PhD

This presentation is geared toward the general mental health practitioner and will cover assessment of domestic and interpersonal violence for general mental health practitioners, including routine screening of all clients, further assessment for clients who identify violence histories, and triage of clients with urgent needs for intervention related to domestic  or interpersonal violence.   Strategies for use in both individual and couples/family settings will be covered.

Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

• Identify and explain the purpose and utility of routine screening for domestic and interpersonal violence in individual and couples/family settings.
• Describe options for rapid screening of clients for domestic and interpersonal violence.
• Identify reliable and valid methods for further assessment of clients reporting domestic or interpersonal violence histories.
• Discuss factors influencing decisions to refer and/or treat clients reporting domestic or interpersonal violence
• Identify referral options for clients requiring immediate and additional intervention related to domestic or interpersonal violence.

Those Who Batter: Focus on Treatment or Treatment Modalities for Perpetrators of Domestic Violence

Shawn Fitzpatrick, LCSW

This presentation will highlight several biological and psychological theories that explain domestic violence.  Challenge some of the commonly held myths explaining domestic violence.  Outline the Duluth and Emerge treatment models citing similarities and differences.  Discuss effectiveness and criticisms of current batterer’s programs and a possible future for more effective treatment.

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

• Identify a variety of theories explaining domestic violence.
• Describe he current treatment modalities used to treat batterers.
• Identify effectiveness and criticisms of batterer’s programs.

Domestic Violence and the Workplace: What Managers and Colleagues Should Know
                       
Rosemary Hays-Thomas, Ph.D., SPHR

This presentation is directed toward Human Resource professionals and others concerned about the implications of domestic violence for employers, managers, and employees.  The topic will be introduced with information about the frequency of domestic violence expressed at work and with discussion of the consequences to employers in terms of tardiness and absenteeism, lost productivity, health and insurance costs, and workplace safety and liability.  Warning signs of possible domestic abuse will be discussed, including how to broach the topic in the context of both performance management and appropriate workplace supports for employees.  The session will review examples of policies dealing specifically with domestic violence in the workplace and will include discussion of the range of appropriate employer responses.

Learning Outcomes:

At the conclusion of this workshop, the participant will be able to:

• Describe the frequency and pattern of domestic violence as it affects the workplace.
• Discuss the major consequences of domestic violence in the workplace that are of concern to employers and managers.
• Describe employee behaviors that may indicate possible domestic violence and effective ways for managers to respond.
• Explain how to develop a workplace policy concerning domestic violence and describe some of its major components.