Steps Toward Safety

Early Accomplishments

Professionals have responded to their expanded scope of work — which treats the fates of abused adults and their children as inexplicably intertwined — by establishing new practices, tools and protocols. Three preliminary successes on this front include: 1) tapping a designated professional to weave between the child welfare and domestic violence realms; 2) promoting cross-system collaborations via various shadowing and training opportunities; and 3) relocating frontline work closer to families.

Smarter Steps Forward

Experts urge strategic next steps to help stem the tide of domestic violence. Two items on their must-do list include: 1) recognize that racial bias still exists to stop skirting discussions on race and start collecting data on the number of minorities served by each system; and 2) seek out the stories of survivors and give these individuals a starring role in helping to advance new practices and policies.

Redefining Community

This report emphasizes that neighborhood leaders, organizations and residents can serve as vital lifelines of support for families impacted by domestic violence.

Square One Suggestions

We need to rethink even our earliest attempts to assist domestic violence survivors, say experts. First responders can do more to address the unique needs of children when answering a domestic violence call. And shelters for battered women should aim to extend programming options beyond basic child care while providing counseling that combines — rather than divides — a mother and child.

Remembering the Men

In working to bolster support for families affected by domestic violence, tomorrow’s reformers cannot overlook one vital demographic: men. We must develop tools that are more effective at holding batterers accountable, say experts. At the same time, we should encourage men to share their stories and give them opportunities to reflect on how their aggression may impact others.