This two day course provides a forum for mediators, attorneys, therapists, victim advocates, and other professionals who work with individuals or couples to examine the practical and ethical issues involved in cases where one of the parties is a batterer. The focus is on maximizing the safety of all participants and supporting ethical mediation and attorney practices.
This two day course is required for trained mediators wanting to be on the Sixth Judicial District Roster of Family Mediators. It is useful for all family law attorneys and mediators.
Domestic violence is common: At least one in four women has experienced domestic violence. That’s 25% of the women or couples in your practice. Risk of violence is highest when parties are separating.
Batterers are more likely to stalk, harass, batter, injure or kill their intimate partners when the victim takes steps to end the relationship. The rate of intimate partner victimization (per 1000 persons) is 31.9% for divorced and separated women and 6.2% for divorced and separated men.
Do you know enough about detecting domestic violence to be responsible in your role? Your client’s safety and the safety of you and your staff are at stake.
Day 1 we explore the basic dynamics of domestic abuse, including the characteristics of perpetrators and the impact on victims, as well as screening techniques. The goal is to gain skill in effectively using strategies for identifying whether mediation is appropriate in a given situation. We will watch and discuss techniques used a training video on screening in the afternoon.
Day 2 we focus on power imbalances in mediation and the tools available to us as mediators, by using a video of a mediation and role plays and discussion.