Kathleen H. Chamberlin, BSN, MS, Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch, CA Department of Health Services, P. O. Box 997413, Mail Stop 7214, Sacramento, CA 95899-7413, 916-552-9847, kchamber@dhs.ca.gov

Domestic violence and the home visitor: A California statewide training project

Abstract

This presentation describes California Department of Health Services’, Epidemiology and Prevention for Injury Control Branch’s training project. Home visitors are in a unique position to reach families and individuals that are socially isolated and frequently bypassed by mainstream interventions. This training project was designed specifically for home visitors on how to engage individuals and families at risk for or experiencing family violence.

The curriculum provides practical information on recognizing, intervening and referring families caught in the web of violence. In 1997 regional trainings were begun. It was quickly apparent that the need for this training overwhelmed the resources. Participants from professions as diverse as public health nurses to firefighters to animal control officers attended the workshops and an added bonus of coalition building became apparent.

After three years the curriculum was updated, specific cultural information and supervisor’s guidebook was added. A new approach to imbed the training in communities was developed. A cadre of culturally and geographical diverse facilitators were trained and supported. Fifty-two additional workshops were held and in partnership with the CA Community College Foundation 15 community colleges offered the training.

At least 3000 home visitors have been trained. Ninety percent of participants rated the workshops as good or excellent. Post-training participant surveys indicate an approximate eighty-two percent change in practice post training, based on knowledge gained. A CD of the Facilitator’s guide with slides and the Participants Workbook will be available to attendees.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this workshop the participant will be able to

• Discuss the key role of home visitors in preventing and intervening with families affected by domestic violence 2)Identify the major components of a domestic violence training project for home visitors. 3)List 2 strategies in implementing and imbeding a training project in individual communities.

Keywords: Home Visiting, Domestic Violence

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.