100813: When Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Overlap

About the Course:

Does exposure to domestic violence indicate a form of child maltreatment? It is imperative that child welfare workers identify and use interventions that protect families from domestic violence and eliminate harm to children without further stigmatizing victimized women. The research described in this article attempts a first step in understanding the factors involved in the decision making process of child welfare supervisors in domestic violence cases. Findings indicate that the attitudes and beliefs of child welfare supervisors about the overlap between domestic violence and child abuse are influenced by personal experiences, professional longevity, and training. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Introduction II. Literature Review III. Methods IV. Results V. Discussion VI. Implications

Journal/Publisher:

Families in Society (Alliance for Children and Families)

Publication Date:

2005/ Vol. 86, No. 4

Authors

Debra Ortega, PhD; Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW

About the Authors:

Associate Professor University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work

Assistant Professor University of Kansas School of Social Welfare

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about domestic violence and child abuse. It is appropriate for participants with all levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Identify the current literature regarding the views of child welfare staff on domestic violence as a form of child maltreatment.

2. Describe the results of this study on child welfare supervisors’ views pertaining to domestic violence as a form of child maltreatment.