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DO —

• Do allow them to ask questions without assuming they are a victim. • Do treat them with respect; allow them to maintain their dignity and be mindful of your words. • Do make information available about services that may help them deal with domestic violence. • Do take steps to protect their privacy and safety by offering to meet in a private office and keeping the information confidential.

REMEMBER—

• Their abuser may become more violent when they try to improve their situation by going to work or training. The abuser may make it difficult for them to work or attend training. • For a variety of legitimate reasons, they may not know that they are a victim. • Even if they are not experiencing domestic violence now, they may still be experiencing the effects of it. Children who have only witnessed domestic violence, for example, may have trouble learning or relating to other people.

Domestic Violence Script

Each household must be informed of the right to request a child support waiver (Reach Up rule 2235.2) and work requirements deferment (Reach Up Services rule 2360). Offer the parent the ESD201DV and follow the script below. Please note that, for simplicity’s sake, the directions in the script refer only to parents, however, the script will be followed for all Reach Up applicants and participants, whether they are parents or other caretakers.

1. The department recognizes that domestic violence occurs at all income levels, including in families receiving benefits from us. We want the families we serve to know that we’re aware they may be affected by domestic violence and are here to listen to them. We understand that some people don’t know what domestic violence is and may not realize that what is happening in their life is considered to be domestic violence. So, we have prepared this brief information sheet for everyone to read.

[Hand the 201 DV to the parent (or other caretaker). If both parents are present give a copy to each of them. If anyone, including a child, accompanies the parent, continue to 2, which does not encourage discussion. If the parent is alone, skip to 3.]