The Statewide Law Enforcement Protocol is provided as a tool to enhance law enforcement’s awareness of the dangers to children exposed to domestic violence (CEDV), and to assist in establishing a department’s response to better protect these at-risk children. To do so requires:

• Awareness of the far-reaching effects that witnessing domestic violence can have on children’s cognitive and psychological development,
• Familiarity with legal statutes regarding the rights of the victims and witnesses of crimes,
• Understanding the roles of local agencies and individuals who may become involved with CEDV,
• Knowledge of an appropriate protocol when children are present in domestic violence situations, and
• Willingness to team with other agencies and individuals to improve practices in working with CEDV.

If you would like further information or technical assistance in preparing your law enforcement protocol, or in working with your law enforcement partners, please contact the Safe From The Start or call (916) 324-7863.

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Information for Specific Groups -- For Law Enforcement

Children and Domestic Violence

Effective interactions with children are one of the most powerful ways for law enforcement officers to demonstrate their commitment to the community they serve. The mere presence of officers on a scene can have a stabilizing effect on the lives of children and families. As first responders, law enforcement officers have a unique opportunity to offer assistance, security and support to children witnessing domestic violence.

Why are law enforcement officers so important to children exposed to domestic violence?

• As first responders, officers are uniquely positioned to identify children who are exposed to domestic violence. Officers can link children and families to community services.
• Children in domestic violence situations often feel the whole world is out of control. Law enforcement officers can use their presence and authority to show children that violence is not normal or acceptable.

Why is it important to reduce the effects of domestic violence on kids?

• Nationally, one-third of law enforcement calls are for domestic violence situations. Of those calls, two-thirds have children present. (The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2006)
• Children exposed to domestic violence are vulnerable to developing mental and physical health issues, aggressive behavior, criminal behavior, depression, school problems, poor self-image and numerous other adverse consequences. Exposure to violence also may increase their chance of becoming a victim and/or a perpetrator in the future.
• Violence can have a profound effect on children. Their sense of security and safety can be shattered. This can make it difficult for a child to grow and develop into a healthy adult and these children grow up quickly to become the adults of the communities that officers serve.

Things to know about kids and domestic violence :

• All children are affected by domestic violence, but each child reacts in a different way. Children may react with anger, fear, sadness, or may not seem to react at all.
• Children in domestic violence situations have complicated feelings about their parents.
• Children often feel they are responsible for the violence in their homes.

What can officers do for children at the scene of a domestic violence call?

• Ask the adults if children live in the home. Find out where they are and check to see if they are safe.
• Describe your role in simple terms to the child.
• Use direct and age appropriate language.
• Speak to the child at his or her level by sitting or kneeling.
• Keep children in the presence of familiar adults whenever possible.
• Reassure children the violence is not their fault.
• Explain to children why any use of force is necessary.
• If possible, make an arrest when children are not present.
• Provide parents with information about resources available to them and their children.
• Don’t make negative comments about either parent in front of the children.
• Don’t tell the children everything will be okay or make promises you cannot keep.

Additional Ideas for Reducing the Impact of Domestic Violence on Kids:

• Assure the child that officers talk with lots of children about similar events. Assure the child that he or she is not alone.
• Observe the child’s non-verbal communication.
• Make sure that children know how to call for help and know of a safe place to go if they are afraid.
• Give the victim information about their legal rights, such as how to obtain a restraining order.
• Encourage the victim to notify someone at their work site about their situation.
• Where applicable, check the box on law enforcement reports for, “Children present at the scene of a domestic violence situation.” Put their names and ages on the report. This may be useful in gaining access to services for the children.
• Provide adult victims with information on preparing a safety plan while still protecting themselves and their children.
• Develop partnerships with community organizations that provide support for domestic violence victims and their families. Refer the victim and the victim’s family to local agencies that provide assistance such as: religious/faith-based programs, culturally- specific support programs, domestic violence support groups, family service agencies, and mental health services. Create palm cards with contact information for social services providers, including phone numbers and web sites. Provide information about programs for children in the community such as the YMCA, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America, and the Boys and Girls Club.
• Refer victims and their families to local domestic violence advocates and shelters.
• Encourage your department to cross-train with multidisciplinary teams including mental health professionals, medical staff, domestic violence advocates, social service providers and community agencies.
• Coordinate with state and federal agencies that provide financial support, such as: Women Infants and Children (WIC), U.S. Department of Labor (unemployment services), welfare agencies, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the USDA food stamp program.
• Contact the children’s school to notify them about the situation. Have the school notify the children’s counselors and teachers.

Remember, children exposed to domestic violence need the support of other professionals in the community. Collaborative partners can help police officers do their job, and police, in turn, can be a very valuable resource to them. With the help of partners, officers can come up with solutions, use their authority to implement them, and create a stronger, safer community in the process.

Prepared from research by Laura McLean, Student Intern, CA Attorney General’s Crime and Violence Prevention Center , Safe from the Start Initiative.