NCJ Number
197544
Date Published
2001
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a process of individualized safety planning with the partners of batterers in intervention programs; the process is based on the principles of empowerment and autonomy and takes into account the context of the woman's situation.
Abstract
A batterer intervention program that involves partners should include safety planning for those abused, as well as for children in the home. The objectives of safety planning are empowerment and the woman's autonomy. In order to be effective, safety planning cannot be standardized; it must be tailored to the individual woman and her situation. The most important aspects of the situation are the potential lethality or dangerousness from her partner; whether she is planning to stay, is in the process of leaving, or has left; her emotional status; resources offered by her family, job, and community; and her children. Basing safety planning on relative dangerousness of partners requires that this dimension become an ongoing consideration and outcome criterion for the intervention program itself. This paper discusses the details of assessing each aspect of a woman victim's situation and implications for safety planning. Once the woman's context is assessed, the batterer intervention staff can proceed with an informed safety planning process. If there is a high risk of lethality, calling in criminal justice or shelter services can be urged more strongly. 55 references