Effective Screening and Assessment for Domestic Abuse in Mediation

Course Length: 5 hours

CPD Points: 5

2017 research into ‘Creating Paths for Family Justice’, carried out by Anne Barlow and colleagues, found that “inadequate screening may lead to traumatic mediation experiences and/or unfair or dangerous outcomes”. This concern was then again highlighted in the Assessment of Risk from Harm report published in June 2020. In light of this research, it is clear that now more than ever, it is extremely important to conduct effective and appropriate domestic abuse screening during the mediation process in order to ensure a safe and positive outcome.

The course will highlight perpetrator tactics, the impact of domestic abuse on the victim and consider how to tell the difference between abuse and high conflict. The course will also highlight different risk assessment tools and consider which type of questions are most likely to help the client share their experience. 

What to expect from the course:

• Exercises to encourage a deeper understanding of domestic abuse in the mediation context
• Presentation of relevant research to support your practice 
• Sharing of information about different risk assessment tools
• Sharing of information about impact of domestic abuse on victims/survivors and their children
• Sharing of useful questions, approaches, and strategies to assist mediators with their assessment of suitability
• Case study/role play/fishbowl exercises (time dependant) to develop risk assessment skills
• Supporting clients where decision of not suitable has been made
• Group discussion to help support best practice