In the family law firm where you work, there is a need to prepare a brochure to give to potential intimate partner abuse clients who are not yet ready to take legal action against their abusing partner. You've been asked to prepare something to hand out in the waiting room, prior to in-take. What would you include?
What will be an ideal response?
Perhaps it would be good to begin with a series of questions, allowing the client to determine how dire his or her circumstances are at this time. Especially important would be determining whether there are children involved, and if there is a good support system available. It would contain descriptions of different types of protection, such as:
| • | A civil restraining order |
| • | A temporary restraining order |
| • | A criminal protective order |
| • | A "stay away" or "no contact" order |
It would discuss available services and remedies, such as:
| • | Ability to change Social Security numbers |
| • | Counseling and support groups |
| • | Court advocates that can link victims to services |
| • | Financial assistance through state agencies |
| • | GPS monitoring of offenders |
| • | Mandatory arrest statutes |
Finally, it would invite the recipient to discuss their needs with the attorney to help decide what would be best in these particular circumstances.
Criminal Justice
