Case Managers are in situations that could escalate at any moment. It is extremely important when
working with batterers to proceed with caution, for personal safety, as well as the safety of all involved.
Here are some guidelines to follow, that will help when meeting with batterers:
- Consult with a domestic violence specialist about personal safety precautions, prior to working with the batterer.
- Do not share statements from the child or adult victim with anyone in the family, especially not the batterer.
- If there is immediate danger, address the danger.
- Have meetings with the batterer at the office, if you are not able to bring a co-worker or supervisor with you to the home.
- Notify the front desk and your co-workers if a person that is potentially dangerous will be coming to the office.
- Conduct meetings with batterers without other family members present.
- Always have another co-worker or supervisor present when meeting with a batterer.
- Make sure you are always positioned with your back against a wall and close to an exit.
When meeting with a batterer:
- Trust your instinct, if you feel afraid you may be unsafe act on this feeling.
- Stay calm, the batterer will test your limits and it is important not to get into a confrontation.
- Ask specific concrete questions, clarify any vague statements made by the batterer. For example if the batterer states, “I am getting angry” ask “What happens when you get angry”. Address case progress and obstacles with the batterer while demonstrating empathy and remaining non-judgmental.
- Explain to the batterer that “violence is any behavior that either forces another person to do something they don’t want to do or makes the person afraid.” The batterer may have different definitions of what domestic violence is and may not see things as you do.
- Ask concrete questions about the frequency and duration of the violence. Ask what happens during
the incidents and also what type of discipline is used with the children. - Be direct and candid. Often your own discomfort is evident and causes the batterer to react. If you
ask direct questions it tells the batterer it is okay to talk to you about the violence and it also helps the
batterer see the pattern of the violence. - Become familiar with excuses for violence such as “it only happened once or twice” or “I just wanted
her to listen”. - If the batterer becomes angry during the meeting, try to de escalate using empathetic statements (“I understand this is a difficult time for you, I am here to help”) and then end the meeting.
- Always notify the child and adult victim if you think the batterer is escalated and a possible threat.
Reference: Many of these tips were extracted from New York ACS CPS Training
Curriculum.
