NCJ Number
211354
Date Published
2005
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This British report provides guidance for practitioners who work directly with female domestic-violence victims and their children.
Abstract
The recommendations are drawn from the independent evaluations of a number of multiagency projects designed to support female victims of domestic violence; the projects were funded under the remit of the Crime Reduction Program (CRP) Violence Against Women Initiative (VAWI). Among the CRP VAWI projects from which this report draws, the type of advocacy provided was usually a mixture of negotiating on their behalf in a legal setting (criminal and/or civil) and supporting and empowering the rights of the women in the community. For some projects, providing "support" meant supplying information and advice, safety planning, and emotional support. This report lists examples of specific tasks performed by advocates and support workers. It then discusses where advocacy and support work take place, noting that advocates and support workers should be independent and act on behalf of women; however, their tasks can be performed in various places depending on the nature of objectives of their work. Regarding models of advocacy and support, the evaluated projects adopted a variety of approaches. Interviews with the women survivors suggested they preferred longer term support for an advocate or support worker rather than short-term crisis intervention. Remaining sections of the report provide guidance on supporting women in pursuit of a legal case; tailoring support to meet the individual needs of survivors (two illustrative case studies are provided); good-practice points; key principles for advocates and support workers; training suggestions; and limits to advocacy and support. The report concludes with a description of a recommended model for an advocate or support worker to follow in assisting a woman survivor of domestic violence. 5 references and 19 resources