Building Multidisciplinary Response Teams: A Key to Reducing Domestic Violence Recidivism

Welcome back to the blog, podcast listeners! In the latest episode, "88-When Systems Align with Captain Eric Threlkeld," we dove deep into the critical role that collaboration plays in effectively addressing domestic violence. We explored how prosecutors, judges, police, advocates, probation officers, and medical staff can work together to create a safety net for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable. This blog post will expand on those ideas, illustrating how these multidisciplinary teams can prevent cases from falling through the cracks and improve outcomes, even without dedicated funding. 

Introduction: The Power of Multidisciplinary Teams in Addressing Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a complex and pervasive issue that demands a multifaceted approach. Traditional methods, often siloed within individual agencies, frequently fall short in addressing the intricate needs of survivors and the sophisticated tactics of abusers. Multidisciplinary response teams (MDTs) offer a powerful alternative, bringing together professionals from various fields to share information, coordinate strategies, and ensure a comprehensive and consistent response. These teams can significantly improve outcomes for survivors by providing access to a range of services, reducing the likelihood of re-victimization, and holding offenders accountable.

The strength of an MDT lies in its ability to address the many layers of a domestic violence situation. Law enforcement officers bring their investigative skills and ability to ensure immediate safety. Prosecutors contribute legal expertise and the capacity to pursue justice through the courts. Advocates provide emotional support, safety planning, and access to resources for survivors. Probation officers monitor offenders and enforce court orders. Medical staff can identify and treat injuries, document evidence, and connect survivors with appropriate services. When these professionals work together, they create a holistic system of support that is far more effective than any single agency could be on its own.

The Linear vs. Non-Linear Nature of Domestic Violence Cases

One of the biggest challenges in addressing domestic violence is the non-linear nature of these cases. Unlike many other crimes, domestic violence often involves a pattern of escalating abuse that can be difficult to unravel. Survivors may be reluctant to report abuse due to fear, shame, or a desire to protect their abuser. They may also face significant barriers to leaving the relationship, such as financial dependence, lack of housing, or concerns about child custody. This complexity requires a response that is flexible, patient, and tailored to the individual needs of the survivor.

Traditional approaches to criminal justice often assume a linear progression from crime to prosecution to punishment. However, domestic violence cases rarely fit this model. Survivors may recant their statements, refuse to cooperate with investigators, or return to their abuser. These behaviors are not signs of dishonesty or lack of commitment; they are often the result of trauma, fear, and the complex dynamics of an abusive relationship. An MDT can help to navigate these complexities by providing ongoing support to the survivor, understanding the underlying reasons for their actions, and developing strategies to ensure their safety and well-being.

Why Basic Academy Instruction Falls Short in Complex DV Cases

Law enforcement officers are often the first point of contact for survivors of domestic violence. However, basic academy training typically provides only a brief overview of domestic violence dynamics and investigation techniques. This limited training is often insufficient to prepare officers for the complexities of these cases, particularly when dealing with trauma, cultural differences, or high-risk situations. Officers may lack the skills to effectively interview survivors, assess the lethality of the situation, or connect survivors with appropriate resources.

Furthermore, traditional law enforcement training often emphasizes a reactive approach, focusing on responding to incidents after they have occurred. While this is certainly important, it is not enough to prevent domestic violence from escalating or recurring. A more proactive approach is needed, one that emphasizes prevention, early intervention, and collaboration with other agencies. This requires specialized training that goes beyond the basic academy curriculum and equips officers with the knowledge and skills to effectively address the root causes of domestic violence.

The Critical First Minutes: Setting a Case Up for Success or Failure

The first few minutes of a domestic violence investigation are often the most critical. The actions taken by the responding officer can have a profound impact on the safety of the survivor and the outcome of the case. During this initial interaction, the officer must assess the situation, ensure the safety of all parties, and gather evidence. It is crucial to separate the parties involved, identify any witnesses, and document the scene thoroughly. The officer should also be mindful of the potential for secondary trauma and take steps to minimize the survivor's distress.

One of the most important things an officer can do is to listen to the survivor without judgment and allow them to tell their story in their own words. Avoid interrupting or asking leading questions, and be patient if the survivor is hesitant or confused. The officer should also be aware of the potential for the abuser to manipulate the situation or intimidate the survivor. By carefully observing the interactions between the parties and documenting their statements, the officer can gather valuable evidence and build a stronger case.

Trauma-Informed Interviewing: Letting Victims Speak and Recording Thoroughly

Trauma-informed interviewing is a crucial component of effective domestic violence investigation. It recognizes that survivors of abuse may have experienced significant trauma that can affect their memory, behavior, and ability to communicate. Traditional interviewing techniques, which often emphasize a structured and chronological approach, can be retraumatizing for survivors. Trauma-informed interviewing, on the other hand, prioritizes the survivor's safety, comfort, and autonomy.

Key principles of trauma-informed interviewing include: creating a safe and supportive environment, building rapport with the survivor, allowing the survivor to tell their story in their own way, avoiding leading or judgmental questions, and documenting the interview thoroughly. The interviewer should also be aware of the potential for vicarious trauma and take steps to protect their own well-being. By using trauma-informed techniques, investigators can gather more accurate information, build trust with survivors, and increase the likelihood of successful prosecution.

Red Flags That Matter Most: Prior Strangulation, Weapons, Suicide Threats, and Substance Use

Certain factors have been identified as significant predictors of increased risk for domestic violence homicide. These red flags include prior strangulation, access to weapons, threats of suicide, and substance use. When these factors are present, it is crucial to take immediate action to protect the survivor and hold the abuser accountable.

Prior strangulation is a particularly dangerous indicator of future violence. Survivors who have been strangled are at a significantly higher risk of being killed by their abuser--750% higher. Strangulation can cause serious brain damage, even if there are no visible injuries. Access to weapons, particularly firearms, also increases the risk of homicide. Threats of suicide should always be taken seriously, as they can be a sign that the abuser is escalating their behavior and may be planning to harm the survivor. Substance use can also exacerbate domestic violence, as it can impair judgment, increase impulsivity, and reduce inhibitions. By recognizing these red flags, professionals can intervene more effectively and prevent tragedies.

The Maryland Lethality Assessment Program and Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell’s Danger Assessment

The Maryland Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) and Dr. Jacquelyn Campbell's Danger Assessment are two evidence-based tools that can help professionals assess the risk of domestic violence homicide. The LAP is a brief questionnaire that officers can use at the scene of a domestic violence incident to determine whether the survivor is at high risk of being killed. The Danger Assessment is a more comprehensive tool that can be used by advocates, counselors, and other professionals to assess the survivor's overall level of danger.

Both tools assess a range of factors, including the abuser's history of violence, access to weapons, threats of suicide, and controlling behavior. They also consider the survivor's own perceptions of their risk. By using these tools, professionals can identify survivors who are at high risk of being killed and connect them with appropriate services, such as emergency shelter, safety planning, and legal assistance. The LAP and Danger Assessment have been shown to be effective in reducing domestic violence homicide rates.

The Role of Healthcare: Recognizing Non-Fatal Strangulation

Healthcare professionals play a critical role in identifying and treating survivors of domestic violence. They are often the first point of contact for survivors who have been injured or are seeking medical care. Healthcare professionals can also provide a safe and confidential space for survivors to disclose abuse and connect them with appropriate resources.

One of the most important things healthcare professionals can do is to recognize the signs and symptoms of non-fatal strangulation. Strangulation is a common tactic used by abusers, and it can have serious long-term health consequences, even if there are no visible injuries. Healthcare professionals should ask patients directly about strangulation and document any history of strangulation in the medical record. They should also be aware of the subtle signs and symptoms of strangulation, such as hoarseness, difficulty breathing, and changes in voice.

Practical Diagnostics and Language Used by Victims of Strangulation

Diagnosing non-fatal strangulation can be challenging, as the injuries are often internal and not immediately visible. However, there are several diagnostic tests that can help to identify internal injuries, such as CT scans, MRIs, and laryngoscopy. Healthcare professionals should also be familiar with the language that victims of strangulation often use, such as "choked," "arm around my neck," or "blacked out."

It is important to document all findings thoroughly, including any visible injuries, symptoms, and patient statements. This documentation can be crucial evidence in a criminal case. Healthcare professionals should also provide survivors with information about the potential long-term health consequences of strangulation and connect them with appropriate follow-up care.

How Multidisciplinary Response Teams Cut Recidivism

Multidisciplinary response teams have been shown to be effective in reducing domestic violence recidivism. By bringing together professionals from various fields to share information, coordinate strategies, and provide comprehensive support to survivors, MDTs can break the cycle of abuse. MDTs can also hold offenders accountable by ensuring that they are prosecuted, monitored, and required to complete batterer intervention programs.

By working collaboratively, MDTs can create a more coordinated and effective response to domestic violence, ultimately leading to safer communities and improved outcomes for survivors.

Conclusion: Concrete Steps for Safer Communities and Survivor-Centered Justice

Building multidisciplinary response teams is a crucial step towards creating safer communities and achieving survivor-centered justice. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors, advocates, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders, we can create a more comprehensive and effective response to domestic violence. Even without dedicated funding, communities can take simple steps to improve collaboration, such as holding regular meetings, sharing information, and developing common protocols.

As discussed in episode 88 with Captain Eric Threlkeld, alignment between systems is key. By focusing on trauma-informed practices, evidence-based tools, and a commitment to accountability, we can empower survivors, hold abusers accountable, and break the cycle of violence. Let's work together to create a world where everyone is safe from domestic violence.