II. Domestic Violence Offenders

Incentive Tools:

Staff must ensure the safety of domestic violence victims by making sure that offenders are complying with all of their conditions of release. It is critical for supervision staff to develop a trusting relationship with the victim and collateral contacts to be aware of any offender behavior that violates court orders or appears to be an attempt to manipulate the victim. Neighbors and co-workers who might hear arguments or see injuries can be an important source of information, as can the police since they may be called to any incidents. Many judges and domestic violence experts regard any contact, including apparently thoughtful gestures such as sending the victim flowers or a birthday card, as inappropriate and requiring a sanction.

Staff should carefully consider the safety of the victim when conduction collateral contacts, and make sure all orders from the court for victim notification are upheld. Interviews with victims should take place at times and places where victims feel safe and able to speak freely. Ensuring the victim is able to speak freely will teach them that they can talk about it, thus increasing the chances of him/her reporting violence in the future. In these situations as well, drug and alcohol testing is an important control for staff due to the common link between substance abuse and domestic violence.

Victim safety planning is essential. Whether it is done by a Victim-Witness Program in the prosecutor's office or by a community agency, staff must ensure that the victim has a workable plan in place to protect any possible targets of the offenders' behavior. Staff should also make sure any victim notification procedure is activated so that victims are aware of all court dates and any release dates from jail or prison.