Child Abuse and Neglect : Assessment Factors

by Child Welfare Information Gateway

(Page 5 of 10)

Additional Factors to Consider During Assessment

Other factors can influence the nature and severity of presenting domestic violence issues. The diversity and multiple needs of families affected by domestic violence require thoughtful consideration of additional variables that can augment the complexity of these cases. The following are important issues for CPS caseworkers to be aware of and address during assessment and case planning efforts.

Cultural Practices

The values, beliefs, and customs of some cultures can create additional barriers for victims of domestic violence and dictate certain interactions between CPS caseworkers and the family. Caseworkers will need to account for cultural factors that can influence the victim's resistance to help and the unique obstacles facing victims who are of minority, ethnic, or racial status, including:

Some ethnic cultures where a strong emphasis on preserving family unity is more pronounced than in Anglo cultures. For example, if a Hispanic or Asian victim of domestic violence refuses help, it may be because the ethnic community would shame and isolate the victim for disclosing the abuse. There might be added pressure from immediate and extended family members who are vested in maintaining the family equilibrium and, as such, refuse to believe the victim or to hold the perpetrator accountable for the abusive behavior.

Immigrant victims who are not legal U.S. residents and who face enormous challenges in freeing themselves from violence. Undocumented immigrants who are abused typically will not disclose it because they fear deportation. Victims who are not legal citizens may rely on their partner's status as a U.S. resident to secure their and their children's citizenship. Thus, victims are subject to being threatened with deportation and loss of their children as a coercive tactic by the abuser. Additionally, the illegal status of these victims prevents them from seeking and obtaining a variety of legal and social services intended to assist victims. Many communities continue to develop and provide services specifically designed for undocumented immigrants.

Language barriers that present obstacles for CPS caseworkers who are trying to communicate with non-English speaking victims or family members. A victim of domestic violence may appear uncooperative, when in reality he or she does not understand what is being asked. Additionally, victims who cannot communicate with caseworkers in their primary language may not be able to convey their needs accurately and may confront additional challenges when communities do not have culturally sensitive services or resources. Identifying translators, hiring bilingual staff, and translating resource materials can help address this issue. CPS caseworkers, however, should refrain from using children as translators because the information collected may be distressing for them. Some adult family members or friends may break confidentiality or pose other risks for the victim if used as translators.

"Mutual" Domestic Violence

Perpetrators of domestic violence routinely accuse their partner of being equally abusive and claim to be the "real" victim. There are women who are perpetrators and there are victims who use physical force against their partners in self-defense. Women, however, represent only a small minority of perpetrators of serious violence against intimates. Even in cases where both partners perpetrate abusive action, there is little doubt that women get hurt more often than men. Caseworkers who are uncertain about mutual domestic violence dynamics will want to take prudent steps to identify the primary aggressor in the relationship. Caseworkers can consider:

• Who is afraid of whom?
• Who controls or makes the decisions in the relationship?
• Who has more access to financial and economic resources?

Documentation such as police reports or court records can help in this determination. It may be helpful to get help from both service providers and the caseworker's supervisor in these particularly complex situations.

Substance Abuse

Alcohol and illicit drugs commonly are cited as a factor in and precursor to domestic violence. Research studies indicate that approximately 25 to 50 percent of domestic violence incidents involve alcohol and that nearly one-half of all abusers entering perpetrator intervention programs abuse alcohol. Yet, despite evidence that many perpetrators abuse alcohol, there is no empirical evidence that substance abuse directly causes domestic violence. Nevertheless, substance abuse is a significant variable that increases the severity and frequency of the perpetrator's violence and interferes with domestic violence interventions. In fact, the presence of substance abuse increases the likelihood of severe injury and death in domestic violence incidents. Furthermore, women who abuse alcohol and other drugs are more likely to be victims of domestic violence. Substance abuse by victims compounds their problems as addiction or substance use can affect their ability to protect themselves and their children. CPS caseworkers need to determine if the victim's substance abuse is a coping mechanism or a barrier to safety by affecting judgment and parenting. The risk of co-occurring substance abuse and domestic violence requires that assessments include screening and referral for substance abuse issues. Caseworkers should be prepared to assess for the presence of both issues and to make referrals for both.

About the Author

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Formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse, Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to information and resources to help protect children and strengthen families. A service of the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.