Crisis Intervention for Children and Caregivers Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence

Few individuals exposed to violence ever receive formal services. Crisis intervention may increase the identification of exposed families and reduce violence and its consequences. The Spokane Safe Start crisis response served 464 families and 972 children who have been exposed to trauma, primarily intimate partner violence. Clinical records evaluated for service scope and benefit by independent reviewers showed improved family and child functioning and violence termination for 13 percent of children. Logistic regression analyses showed that adult victim and assailant characteristics can predict service progress and benefit. Families were receptive to support, and many engaged in more extended services with resulting benefits. Crisis intervention for violence exposure is a promising method of engaging families who may not otherwise be identified as in need of formal services.