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Delaware TANF State Plan 10-1-23 to 09-30-26 Page 51 of 59

receiving assistance under this part to escape domestic violence or unfairly penalize such individuals who are or have been victimized by such violence, or individuals who are at risk of further domestic violence.

B. Domestic violence defined.—For purposes of this paragraph, the term “domestic violence” has the same meaning as the term “battered or subjected to extreme cruelty”, as defined in section 408(a)(7)(C)(iii).

Victims of Domestic Violence

As required under the optional Certification of Standards and Procedures to Ensure that a State will screen for and identify domestic violence, DSS will refer identified victims of domestic violence to appropriate services such as shelters and counseling and to Family Court. Under the Protection from Abuse Act (PFA), 10 Delaware Code, Chapter 9, Sections 1041-1048 (Attachment D), Family Court has the power and authority to expeditiously adjudicate all matters related to domestic violence including court ordered restraints, custody, property and financial resources.

Through this strong domestic violence law, Delaware is clearly committed to assisting victims of domestic violence to overcome circumstances which put them in physical, emotional, and/or financial jeopardy, and to assist them in seeking redress and a safe environment for themselves and their families. The law is a strong deterrent to domestic violence, according to a study by the National Center for State Courts, released on December 2, 1996. The study reported that 86 percent of those who sought protection under the law, which permits individuals in danger of serious physical abuse to obtain a protection order, were no longer being physically abused.

As a part of barrier screening process, DSS caseworkers and Bridge case management staff use standardized instruments to identify victims of domestic violence. Every worker is trained on administering the standardized instrument. As part of this training, staff learn how to recognize and assist individuals who are victims of domestic violence. DSS also has trained domestic violence resource workers at every DSS site. The resource workers support the local office by assisting clients and staff in accessing domestic violence services, applying the domestic violence waiver to the TANF case, and promoting understanding and awareness of the challenges faced by clients. The resource worker receives training on domestic violence through an intensive two-day training focused on domestic violence. The resource workers also meet as a group at regularly scheduled meetings to learn about community resources and to discuss issues in accessing community supports. Community domestic violence agencies also attend these meetings to foster networking between DSS and the