Victimology

Victimology

Domestic Violence

Domestic violence can be described as an aggressive confrontation among friends, members of a family, people who are dating or cohabiting. This behaviour is used to achieve and retain control over the victims (Buzawa & Buzawa, 2003). It can occur in various forms such as emotional abuse, stalking, domineering acts, sexual abuse and physical hostility. Most people who find themselves in such situations usually feel ashamed and prefer to hide it. This problem is habitually disregarded because victims prefer not to testify or decide to go back to the abusive relationships.

Approaching a domestic violence situation when responding to an emergency call

Any mistake in approaching domestic violence situations can expose the victims to more harm. If feasible two police officers should respond to the emergency call (Kentucky Justice Cabinet, 2010). While on call, officers should practice precautionary measures and reinstate order by separating victims, seize any weapons and administer medical care if needed. When the officer is assured that the victim is safe, an investigation and evaluation of the situation should be carried out. If the perpetrator has broken the law, he or she should be arrested. The same protection measures should be applied regardless of the socioeconomic background gender or race.

How to interview parties and the information in the report

It is advisable for the parties to be separated during interviews. The interview should be conducted in a place far from witnesses or any distractions. When asking questions, the officers should apply techniques that try to support the victims (Kentucky Justice Cabinet, 2010). Questions about the account of the violent behaviour should be asked. The report needs to include the history of the domestic disagreements, the extent of the injury, testimonies of the parties and other witnesses, evidence from the scene, details of the arrest and evidence of future threat.
How best to help a victim

The best way to help a domestic violence victim is to bring him or her to understand that they do not deserve to be treated in a demeaning way. Support from friends and family members will go a long way in helping the victim recover (Buzawa & Buzawa, 2003). There are several programs for abused victims, the state can introduce the victims to one o them.
What laws protect victims, including the use of protection orders?

The laws that protect victims of domestic violence are different for each state. The federal violence against women act protects women from abusive relationships. The universal Declaration of Human Rights also seeks to protect victims especially immigrant women (Womens law, 2008).
Why victims return to abusers and Length of time it may take to stay away from their abusers

Most victims go back to their abusers because they believe it was their mistake. Some have no people or place to turn to while others believe the perpetrator will change. The length of time varies from one victim to another.

Arrests

Legal standard needed to make an arrest in a domestic violence case

An arrest is authorized whenever the responding officer has credible evidence that indicates that a felony has been committed. Similarly, if the officer has witnessed a felony arrest is authorized.
What evidence should be collected at the arrest and dual arrests?

 The testimonies of witnesses and the parties involved. Statement of medical personnel in the scene can also be valuable. If the law enforcement officer have reason to believe that both parties committed a felony then both parties can be arrested.
How to deal with domestic violence victims 

It is important to support domestic violence victims emotionally and assure them that it is not their fault. Interactions with the victims should be positive, encouraging and educative.

Child Abuse

Signs of child abuse and categories (physical, sexual, emotional)

The physical signs of child abuse include bruises, burns, scars, fear of adults and unsociable behaviors. The emotional signs of abuse include eating disorders, stress, hostility dejection, and lack of interest, stress and hostility. The sexual signs include intense hunger, untidy or inappropriate clothing depending on the weather.

Difference between neglect and abuse

Child abuse refers to the physical or emotional harm to a child without proper reasons while neglect refers to a situation where the parents or guardians of a child ignore their responsibilities.

The legal standards that must be met in removal from the home

             These standards vary for each state. To remove a child from the home, a social worker must have probable cause to believe that the child is in danger or being mistreated.

Use of guardian ad litem 

The guardian ad litem is a helper selected by the court to defend the rights of a child drawn in a legal proceeding. The role of the guardian ad litem is to bring out the child’s best interest. In most cases, the child has suffered abuse or neglect.
Termination of parental rights

             Termination of the parental rights is a legal order that stops the parent-child relationship to look in to child’s interest. In the event that the parents abused or neglected their child the termination of rights is usually involuntary.

Requirement of the Indian child welfare act (ICWA)

The Indian child welfare act defends the rights of Indian children. This act requires Indian children removed from their homes to be placed in other Indian families or institutions. This practice will enable Indian children to maintain their cultural identify. The act further ensures that the removal of the Indian children from their house is made as the last option.

Role of court appointed special advocates (CASA) in child abuse and neglect cases

             The special advocates serve as a mentor in the life of a child or youth who is in foster care (Cagan, 2010). The advocate supports the children in court, at school or at home.

Role of special services in child abuse and neglect cases

The role of special services is to protect children from stressful situations such as abandonment or abuse. Similarly, the special services contribute to the development of the child by providing support and creating awareness on how to protect children from abuse.

 

 

 

References

Buzawa, E. S., & Buzawa, C. G. (2003). Domestic violence: The criminal justice response. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Kentucky Justice Cabinet (2010). Model domestic violence law enforcement policy. Retrieved from http://chfs.ky.gov/NR/rdonlyres/54B7AF71-5428-4EC6-AE69-158BBFBF8031/0/ModelDomesticViolenceLawEnforcementPolicy.htm

Cagan M. (2010). Court appointed special advocates. Retrieved from http://www.svproduct.com/court-appointed-special-advocates/

Womens Law. (2008). Know the laws. Retrieved from http://www.womenslaw.org/laws.php