Collaborative Crisis Intervention at a Domestic Violence Shelter

This paper analyzes the issues which may pose a challenge to a professional working with shelter residents. It argues that there are a lot of conflicting rules and regulations which may impact actions taken by professionals.

Running head: COLLABORATIVE CRISIS INTERVENTION 1
Collaborative Crisis Intervention at a Domestic Violence Shelter
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

COLLABORATIVE CRISIS INTERVENTION 2
Introduction
Offering services to residents of a domestic violence shelter can be quite complex. This is
due to the conflicting roles and responsibilities of professionals. There are specific ethical issues
which must be considered when working in such a setting. For instance, confidentiality must be
encouraged unless there is reason to believe that someone is in danger. This paper analyses the
issues which may pose a challenge to a professional working with shelter residents. It argues that
there are a lot of conflicting rules and regulations which may impact actions taken by
professionals.
Community Partners
To provide services to the residents of the shelter in this case, there are community
partners whom may be approached for collaboration. First, domestic violence is a crime which
may need punishing as stipulated by the law. Therefore, the police department of the community
will be approached for collaboration with the domestic shelter. This relationship is important
because there are instances where victims run to the police, and others where the victims run to
the shelter. If the victim goes to the police department first, legal statements will be taken before
he or she is referred to the shelter. It will ensure that victims do not worry about where to go
since they cannot go back to their abusers (Coburn & Gormally, 2014). On the other hand, if the
victim goes to the shelter first, he or she will be easily referred to the police station so that a legal
report of the violence is done.
Second, there is a need to collaborate with a law firm. This is necessary because most of
these victims may not be financially stable to get their own lawyers. However, a collaboration
will ensure that a lawyer can be obtained with ease. Also, it reduces the expenses which the

COLLABORATIVE CRISIS INTERVENTION 3
shelter may have incurred. Third, there is a need to collaborate with a health care organization
whereby victims can easily access care at reduced or no charges whatsoever. Any wounds will be
taken care of, and psychological services will also be offered (Evans & Feder, 2016). Lastly,
since the shelter is some kind of non-profit organization, there will be a need to collaborate with
another similar organization which offers free food and general supplies. This will ensure that
the residents can get their basic needs without having to worry about where they will get money
to make purchases.
Roles I might play in facilitating these Relationships
As a case worker, I will ensure that all records are readily available for all partners.
Where necessary, specific resident details may have to be disclosed to ensure their safety or that
of their loved ones. In case of any changes, the partners must always be informed to make sure
that they do not feel let out from the entire process.
Services that may be the most Challenging
If the shelter is located in my community, it will be difficult to offer specific services to
residents. If the victims do not have health insurance, medical care will also become challenging
to receive considering the fact that health insurance cover has been highly advocated for over the
past years (Wilson et al., 2016). Also, offering counseling services may also be a challenge as
the confidentiality of users may have to be compromised.
Ethical Issues to Consider
When working in a domestic shelter, there are ethical issues to be considered. First, the
safety of all victims should be considered. It should always come first before everything else.
This means that even if the issue is yet to be proven, the victim should be taken in and offered

COLLABORATIVE CRISIS INTERVENTION 4
protection as the interview process is being prepared (Murray et al., 2015). They should not be
requested or forced to go back home. Their children should also be taken in once a claim of
violence has been made (Potito et al., 2009). Second, confidentiality is paramount in this
situation. If the victim does not feel comfortable opening up, he or she should not be forced. In
addition, all information and details given must not be shared with a third party without their
consent (Blum, Braiden & Heinonen, 2016). If sharing of information is a must, then the identity
of the victim should be kept private, unless he or she is in danger.
Conclusion
It is evident that a domestic shelter cannot function on its own without collaborations. A
lot of assistance and support is required to ensure the residents get the help they need. This is
what causes a lot of conflicting scenarios since there are instances where identity may have to be
shared, leading to the breach of confidentiality requirement. This paper has identified some of
the possible challenges which may be faced, as well as the ethical considerations to be made. If
these are considered, the quality of service offered to residents will be improved.

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References
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