Strengthening Relationships: Domestic Violence Protocol for Marriage Education in Cameron County

1. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTOCOL MARRIAGE EDUCATION PROFESSIONAL LEADER’S TRAINING HARP CAMERON COUNTY

2. PROGRAM GOAL • To strengthen relationship skills for couples interested in marriage

3. DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE • Domestic Violence is coercive behavior that exercises power and control over another individual.

4. 6 DYNAMICS OF ABUSE • VERBAL • EMOTIONAL • PSYCHOLOGICAL • PHYSICAL • SEXUAL • ECONOMICAL

5. MARRIAGE EDUCATION PROGRAM DESCRIPTION • COUPLE’S POINTS OF ENTRY: • Self referral- responding to public ads, flyers • Referrals by Community Partner Agencies • Referral by community member

6. CAUTIONARY NOTE • Given the brief description of the program (16 hours) screening for domestic violence is not appropriate in this setting. • It does not offer the opportunity that ensures confidentiality or proper safety measures for program participants. • For this reason, the Domestic Violence Protocol focuses on providing resources to program participants and how to appropriately respond to a participant disclosure regarding domestic violence.

7. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RESPONSE • CRISIS RESPONSE: IMMEDIATE DANGER • Prompt action should be taken to ensure victim’s safety by offering access to crisis intervention services/shelters: • NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE 1-800-799-7233 • FRIENDSHIP OF WOMEN 956-544-7412 (Brownsville area ) • FAMILY CRISIS CENTER 956-423- (Harlingen area ) VICTIM’S AUTONOMY SHOULD ALWAYS BE RESPECTED!

8. DISCLOSURES • By participants in the marriage education program: • Facilitator/Leaders will arrange a private moment with the with the victim to provide resources and referrals to domestic violence services. *** CONFIDENTIALITY is crucial to the safety of the victim!

9. CAUTIONARY NOTE • Perpetrators may retaliate with threats or violent acts against victim if Domestic Violence is disclosed: • Use caution • Privacy • Confidentiality SAFETY - the highest priority!

10. MANDATORY REPORTING • Participants of the marriage education program will be informed of the mandatory guidelines regarding the abuse of • CHILD • DISABLED • ELDERLY (65 +) NOTE:in the event of disclosure involving imminent risk to a child a report must be made to Child Protective Services at 1-800-

11. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE TRAINING • Program leaders will receive training directly related to implementing this protocol

12. REVIEW OF DV PROTOCOL • This protocol will be reviewed annually by domestic violence professionals along with agency staff to ensure the most up to date services and referrals to our clients.

13. QUESTIONS ?????