Best Practices Report Card
Best Practices Report Card
Back to school time...because lives depend on what you know!
We like to believe our domestic violence response is the best of the best. Maybe it is. Maybe it could be better. Take a moment to reflect on ways to improve your response. Here is a list of some of the best practices in place in various parts of the country (there are more than 10, but we picked these).
Download the Interactive PDF or write your responses on a piece of paper as you go. Mark "Yes" or "No/Unsure."
Do your dispatchers receive ongoing specialized training in handling domestic violence/strangulation cases?
Are all your sworn law enforcement personnel training on investigating strangulation cases and does their training include a duty to warn victims about the potential dangers of strangulation? You can answer yes if all your cases are handled by a DV Response Team that uses a duty to warn.
Are your paramedics specially trained in responding to strangulation cases?
Are all your assigned prosecutors trained on investigating and prosecuting strangulation cases?
Do strangulation victims receive forensic exams, imaging, and medical evaluation in all strangulation cases?
Do you have a strangulation response protocol in your jurisdiction?
Do you have expert testimony available for your strangulation cases?
Do you implement risk assessments and safety planning with survivors? Do you have a good working relationship with your non-governmental advocates (whether through a Family Justice Center or otherwise)?
Are the other members of the criminal justice system (court/defense bar/probation) trained in understanding the significance of strangulation?
Do you have a mechanism for victims to provide feedback on your response (survivor groups, etc.)?
You get 10 points for every "Yes." That is your total score.
Scoring low does not necessarily make your program bad, it just suggests there are other best practices to explore. If you would like information on best practices, please email us at institute@allianceforhope.com.
Figure out your final grade!
90-100 = A
80-90 = B
70-80 = C
60-70 = D
This project is supported all or in part by Grant No. 2016-TA-AX-K067 awarded by the Office on Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women.
