Family support professionals often encounter the effects of domestic violence, sometimes referred to as intimate partner violence, during their work with families. Whether the violence is current or occurred in the past, the complexities of each family’s situation can be difficult to navigate. Talking with families about domestic violence may not be easy, but approaching these conversations with understanding, information, and resources can help make them more comfortable and supportive. Family support professionals do not need to be experts in domestic violence intervention to offer meaningful support.
Start with safety and trust.
One of the most important things to remember when working with a family experiencing domestic violence is that safety comes first. Avoid assuming a caregiver can safely talk about domestic violence at any time or in any location. When it can be done safely, create opportunities for private conversations. Asking open-ended, nonjudgmental questions may make it easier for a caregiver to share concerns. Be transparent about any limits to confidentiality and follow your organization’s policies and procedures.
Respect the caregiver’s autonomy and avoid pressuring them to disclose information, leave a relationship, or take a particular course of action. Leaving an abusive relationship can be especially dangerous, and each person understands their own circumstances and risks best. Listen, offer options, and support the caregiver in making decisions about what is safest for them.
Build your knowledge of available resources.
Family support professionals should be familiar with national, state, and local resources before they are needed. Having this information readily available can make a significant difference when a family reaches out for help. Before providing printed or digital information, ask whether it is safe for the caregiver to receive or keep it.
One national resource is the National Domestic Violence Hotline, which provides support and information for people experiencing domestic violence as well as those supporting them. The Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), through online chat, or by texting START to 88788. More information is available at www.thehotline.org.
For Pennsylvania family support professionals, the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence (PCADV) is an especially valuable resource. PCADV provides information and resources related to domestic violence prevention and intervention. Its website also includes recorded webinars that can help professionals increase their knowledge and understanding of domestic violence.
Family support professionals can also use PCADV’s local program directory to help connect families with services in their communities. This is particularly important because the resources available to families can vary significantly depending on where they live. Another Pennsylvania resource is PA Safe Law, which provides free legal information and guidance for people experiencing domestic violence in Pennsylvania.
The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault offers resources specifically designed for home visitors and other professionals working with families affected by domestic violence. Although these resources were developed in another state, many of the tools and practice recommendations may be useful for family support professionals in Pennsylvania. The website also includes a Father Engagement Tool and related resources.
Supporting families experiencing domestic violence involves more than providing a list of phone numbers. It means creating relationships in which families feel respected, heard, and supported. You do not need to have all the answers. Knowing how to listen, when to seek guidance, and where to connect families with specialized support can be among the most valuable tools you have.
