1 PHASE 3 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT Assignment: Draft a paper discussing the options for protection that are available to victims of domestic violence, including restraining orders, advocacy, shelters, and additional resources. Answered by the following: ABSTRACT Domestic violence is described as the willful physical assault, intimidation, sexual assault, battery and any other form of behavior which is abusive, as a part of control and power shown by one of the intimate partners against the other. Domestic violence includes sexual violence, emotional abuse, physical violence and psychological violence. Effects of domestic violence include death in very severe cases, psychological trauma and physical injury. According to Durfee & Messing (2012), in early stages relationships, it’s not easy to identify whether the person will turn out to be abusive or not. Violence intensifies as time goes by and it begins with behaviors that a person can dismiss or downplay and abusers apologize for their actions to convince the victims that they are doing these things out of love. While domestic violence has been increasing, options have been availed to protect the victims of domestic violence. This paper shall discuss some of the options for protecting family violence victims such as restraining orders, advocacy, shelter and creating awareness on domestic violence. Ways of protecting family violence victims: Restraining orders Restraining orders are court orders given to prevent reoccurrence of abuse acts by the abuser. In order for a victim to acquire a restraining order, they must have had a close relationship with the person whom they want to be restrained from. The law defines a relationship as ‘close’ if the two people are married or formerly married, if they had been engaged or dating, if they have children together, if they are related either by married, adoption or blood or if they live with each other (Voris, 2015). A restraining order orders the abuser to be permanently removed from the residence and stay away from the victims home, work place and children’s school. Other locations would be determined in the order if necessary. It also restrains the abuser’s personal conduct. Further, it addresses the issues of child visitation and custody; if the two parties had children together. There are different types of restriction orders. The emergency protection order is a short term order given by the police or magistrate granted to the victim when the abuser is arrested for violence. It is often limited for a period of three to seven days. The protection order is a long term order given by the police or magistrate to protect the victim for a longer period. It can be effective for a period of one to five years and sometimes, in rare instances, valid for a lifetime. Protection orders have varying provisions. These provisions can be, and not limited to, a no contact provision which prohibits the abuser form contacting the v.

1. 1
PHASE 3 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT
Assignment:
Draft a paper discussing the options for protection that are
available to victims of domestic violence, including restraining
orders, advocacy, shelters, and additional resources.
Answered by the following:
ABSTRACT
Domestic violence is described as the willful physical assault,
intimidation, sexual assault, battery and any other form of
behavior which is abusive, as a part of control and power shown
by one of the intimate partners against the other. Domestic
violence includes sexual violence, emotional abuse, physical
violence and psychological violence. Effects of domestic

2. violence include death in very severe cases, psychological
trauma and physical injury. According to Durfee & Messing
(2012), in early stages relationships, it’s not easy to identify
whether the person will turn out to be abusive or not. Violence
intensifies as time goes by and it begins with behaviors that a
person can dismiss or downplay and abusers apologize for their
actions to convince the victims that they are doing these things
out of love. While domestic violence has been increasing,
options have been availed to protect the victims of domestic
violence. This paper shall discuss some of the options for
protecting family violence victims such as restraining orders,
advocacy, shelter and creating awareness on domestic violence.
Ways of protecting family violence victims:
Restraining orders
Restraining orders are court orders given to prevent
reoccurrence of abuse acts by the abuser. In order for a victim
to acquire a restraining order, they must have had a close
relationship with the person whom they want to be restrained
from. The law defines a relationship as ‘close’ if the two
people are married or formerly married, if they had been
engaged or dating, if they have children together, if they are
related either by married, adoption or blood or if they live with
each other (Voris, 2015). A restraining order orders the abuser
to be permanently removed from the residence and stay away
from the victims home, work place and children’s school. Other
locations would be determined in the order if necessary. It also
restrains the abuser’s personal conduct. Further, it addresses
the issues of child visitation and custody; if the two parties had
children together.
There are different types of restriction orders. The emergency
protection order is a short term order given by the police or
magistrate granted to the victim when the abuser is arrested for
violence. It is often limited for a period of three to seven days.
The protection order is a long term order given by the police or
magistrate to protect the victim for a longer period. It can be

3. effective for a period of one to five years and sometimes, in rare
instances, valid for a lifetime. Protection orders have varying
provisions. These provisions can be, and not limited to, a no
contact provision which prohibits the abuser form contacting
the victim, a peaceful contact provision which allows peaceful
communication between the two parties, a stay away provision
which orders the abuser to stay a certain distance away from the
victim, a move out provision which orders the abuser to move
out of the home that they share with the victim, a firearms
provision which requires the abusers to surrender all the
firearms in his or her possession, and/or a counseling provision
which orders the abuser to go for counseling. It is important to
note that restraining orders are offered only when the victim is
endangered. The police can give a restraining order only when
the abuser has violated the victim’s privacy and then someone
reports the violation. Restraining orders do not entirely protect
the victims from the abusers. The abusers can break the
restraining order hence the restraining order given permits the
victim to inform the police or give the abuser an arrest order.
Advocacy
Advocacy for domestic violence is the public
recommendation and support for the ways of mitigating
domestic violence. Sometimes the legal system can be isolating
and frightening for domestic violence victims. Which gives
reason that advocates have come up with solutions of offering
emotional and practical support for the victims of domestic
violence. Advocates against domestic violence seek to develop
safety plans and carry out risk assessments for the victims.
They willingly accompany victims to the court sessions.
Advocates will support the victims need to gather and provide
evidence on the domestic violence issues at hand. They help
victims acquire restraining orders if there’s a need for them. In
few instances, they will help victims acquire the possible need
to increase the level of security in their residence to ensure that
they are safe from the abusers. Advocates offer emotional
support to the victims and will refer them to counseling services

4. if there is need. If the parties involve children regarding the
domestic violence incident(s); advocates also cooperate with
social workers who assist in child protection issues.
Essentially, advocates are the victims’ “go to” person to get the
help and assistance they need to get on their feet and resolve the
issue to hopefully move forward in their lives.
Shelters
Shelters for domestic violence victims can be defined as
safe places where the victims of domestic abuse and violence
are taken; so that they can get access to housing and help. The
concept of domestic violence shelters was derived from the fact
that most of the victims end up becoming homeless and helpless
rather than returning the situation they originally left.
Domestic shelters are mainly intended to provide room for
women and their children. The victims of violence are advised
that while they are residing in the shelters, they should not give
any personal identifying information to anyone; even if they are
asked. This prevents the abusers from finding them. Domestic
violence shelters are conformed across each state in the United
States. In each shelter, the victims are offered emergency
shelter at first. The period within which victims of domestic
violence can stay in the shelters is limited. However, the
facilities help the victims to get a permanent homes, jobs and
any other necessities that they need to start new lives. Within
these facilities, the victims are given an opportunity to recover
from the trauma of domestic violence and build their lives
again. Most domestic violence shelters offer a variety of
programs which include housing assistance, counseling,
childcare, life skills building, employment services and legal
services. The legal services program ensures that the victims
are able to get access to legal representation in the courts of law
when necessary (Constantino, Kim, & Crane, 2005).
Awareness creation
According to Douglas & Walsh (2012), people should be
educated about identifying unhealthy relationships and
relationships which are prone domestic violence. Creating

5. awareness on domestic violence can help children and adults are
domestic violence victims know that they can access help and
avoid the abuse. Creating awareness on domestic violence may
entail educating children, participating in local, national and
international organizations campaigning against it and even
putting on clothes that express the negative effects of domestic
violence.
Conclusion
As cases domestic family violence keep on increasing, I believe
more options for protecting the victims should be devised in
order to save them from their abusers. In my opinion, I think
more awareness should be done in order to educate the society
on various forms abuse and how they can protect themselves.
Everyone should feel safe in their life, namely the surrounding
in which they live in and the family that they may have.
References:
Constantino, R., Kim, Y., & Crane, P. A. (2005). Effects of a
social support intervention on health outcomes in residents of a
domestic violence shelter: A pilot study. Issues in Mental
Health Nursing, 26(6), 575-590.
Durfee, A., & Messing, J. T. (2012). Characteristics related to
protection order use among
Victims of intimate partner violence. Violence against
women, 18(6), 701-710.
Douglas, H., & Walsh, T. (2010). Mothers, domestic violence,
and child protection. Violence
Against Women, 16(5), 489-508.
Voris, M. J. (2015). The Domestic Violence Civil Protection
Order and The Role of the Court. Akron Law Review, 24(2), 6.

6. The Assignment:
Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area,
write 750–1,000 words that respond to the following questions
with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the
foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be
substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas.
· Explain how teen dating violence differs from domestic
violence.
· Provide examples.
My Answer:
No matter how we try to ignore violence as a 21st century
society, we find it somehow difficult to leave peacefully
without expressing our emotions or some of our dissatisfactions
with violence. Violence should be a thing of the past, for
instance violence has led to dissolutions of several marriages
and family breakups, some violence can be so strong that it can
lead to death of a particular party involved. And generally,
what’s the meaning of violence? According to World Health
Organization, violence can be defined as the intentional use of
one’s own power or force that is physical and threatening
against oneself, other individual, community or a group of
people that can possibly result to injury, death or even physical
harm against the victim. I can categorically say that youth
violence is one of the most common type of violence that
parents and the all involved parties have to deal with, according
to WHO, youth is anybody between the age of 10 and 29.
Violence among the youths includes the act of bullying others,
physical fighting, sexual assaults and many other cases
involving homicide. Research shows that, majority of the youth
engage in strong violence when they are drunk maybe after a
party out, jealousy over a lady and many others. After fully
understanding what violence is, we will base our discussion on
teen dating violence and domestic violence and try and

7. understand the difference between the two, what causes teen
dating violence? Does it have any relationship with domestic
violence?
Teen dating violence can be defined as sexual, physical,
emotional or physiological violence in a dating relationship
including stalking of one another (In Aiken, 2015). Of course a
teenager is any individual who falls between the age brackets of
thirteen to nineteen or rather the adolescent age. Some people
also consider the age of twenty and twenty one as teen age
depending on how individual behave and carries him or herself.
Teen dating violence can occur with the current lover or even
the previous lover, nobody is spared in this. Unhealthy
relationship can clearly start presenting itself at the teen age;
this can lead to a future negative effect such as violence if not
dealt with earlier. One thing about teen dating violence is that,
the involved teens rarely report the case because of fear to tell
the family members or friends, research shows that 23% of
females and 14% of males who became victims of rape, physical
and emotional violence, were once subjected to a kind of
partner violence between the age of 11 and 17 years (CDC
nationwide survey, 2011). What are the causes of teen dating
violence? Teen dating violence always happens due to a
number of the following reasons; to begin with, lack of
communication between your partners is one of the major
causes of teen dating violence. Inter- relationship
communication will aid understanding between partners, one
will able to understand what does the other partner likes or what
does he hate? What makes him / her angry? Knowing what
makes your partner angry will help you avoid such things
(Molinelli, 2015). Secondly, things like emotions and anger are
also major causes of teen dating violence. Finally, lack of
respect can also lead to violence among dating teens, teens
should always seek advice from their parents and other family
members before engaging in any kind of unhealthy relationship
because it can have a prolonged impact such as trauma, use of

8. drugs or controlled substances and there are a few cases where
teens take their lives due to anger as a result of violence. And
how can we prevent this teen violence? The people who have
powers to prevent this are the people around these teenagers.
Families, communities, organizations, churches and schools
have a task to work together to ensure teen dating violence is a
thing of the past.
Close to teen dating violence is the domestic violence; it
can be defined as any type of abuse that involves a spouse or a
partner who are already in marriage (Wilson, 2009). Domestic
violence can involve father, mother and the children, but the
most common ones are committed with the father against the
mother. Domestic violence can be sexual assault, physical
violence leading to injury and emotional abuse that can lead to
depressions. Domestic violence has no boundaries; it can
happen to anyone despite the sex, race, religion or age. It
affects both the poor and the reach, it does not only affect the
victims of the abuse, and it also affects the family members,
community, coworkers who witness the same. Domestic
violence where father and mother are involved, the most
affected are the children because such types of domestic
violence often lead to divorce, imagine being raised with a
single parent? Of course is not a coolest thing because for a
child to grow a fully morally upright person, he / she will
require both the efforts and contributions from the father and
the mother. What are the causes of current domestic violence?
Most common Domestic violence may start when one partner
feels the need of patronizing the other, this need maybe as a
result to jealously, anger and low self-esteem (Gerdes, 2012).
The major ignorable common causes of domestic violence is
abuse of drugs and alcohol, some partners will go out drinking
and when they come back the other partner won’t have peace in
that house, in fact some would wish that moment should be the
end of their marriage. Domestic violence should not be a way
of solving conflicts; there are many other ways that can be

9. explored by the spouses such as visiting the marriage counsellor
to get counselling. If it’s a must for the violence to take place,
the children should not be a party to it. Children who are
exposed to domestic violence will grow and adopt the same
knowing that violence is the only way of solving conflicts.
From the above discussions, the difference between teen
dating violence and domestic violence clearly presents itself.
But the major difference of this two is that, domestic violence
occurs when the two people involved in the violence are already
in a marriage and lives together whereas teen dating violence
occurs in dating teenagers who lives with their parents, maybe
their parents might not even be aware of their relationships.
Domestic violence is broader compared to teen dating violence,
domestic violence occurs in all relationships, young and old
despite the socio economic status. Domestic violence can also
occur in heterosexuals and the homosexuals. The common
persons abused in domestic violence are women, but men are
also victims.
References:
Gerdes, L. I. (2012). Domestic violence. Detroit: Greenhaven
Press
Wilson, M. (2009). Domestic violence. Detroit: Greenhaven
Press.
In Aiken, J. (2015). Teen dating: Perspectives on relationships
and violence.
Schloat, S., Siegel, M., Molinelli, J., In Robles, R., & Human
Relations Media, Inc.,. (2015). Coping with dating violence and
abuse.
6
PHASE 2 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT

10. Shawna Mason
Phase 2 Individual Project
Family and Domestic Violence
CUS420-1504A-01
Instructor Randal Peterson
Colorado Technical University Online
October 25, 2015
ABSTRACT
Domestic violence is a willful intimidation of partners through
physical and sexual assault, battery or any abusive behavior that
exhibits control and power of one partner over the other. The
frequency and severity of domestic violence varies. However, it
is notable that partners consistence to control other and assume
power determines how long the violence can last. This paper
shall identify the four stages of the cycle of violence and show
how the cycle has manifested in the King family

11. Stage 1: Tension Building
This is the initial stage in the violence cycle that is
filled with a lot of demands and stresses. It is at this stage
where violence risk factors are pronounced. They include
substance abuse, health issues, financial problems and
employment concerns. As a result, there is a rise in aggressive
character that is channeled towards objects rather than partners;
e.g. throwing objects. Then with time, the violence is now
channeled from objects to partners and this can be manifested
through verbal abuse among the partners. The partner responds
by altering his behavior and this helps to reduce the verbal
abuse. However, the emotional and physical abuse continues to
increase as one partner maintains sole control of resources. In
extreme cases, the abuser may try to control his partner’s
movement through restricting places where he should go.
Kings Family enters this stage at time when they start to
struggle with financial issues. Amy does not work while Marty
constantly struggles with employment. He is never settled at
the places of work which he gets for he works for a short period
of time and then quits basing his arguments on personal
concerns. When this happens, the situation facilitates rising of
tension in the family on how they would be surviving while they
are both not working and they have responsibilities. The stage
is easily identifiable by the individual actions partners do but
which have adverse effects to the relationship. Quitting job
raises a lot of concerns where the family would be getting
support from. This tension is all channeled to the other partner
in the relationship hence buildup of tension. The same has been
channeled to kids. They don’t want their daughter to spent time
with the boy he loves. This restriction to take part in activities
by parents raises a lot of concerns to their children. Similarly,
they lead to build up of tension hence substantially advancing
the stage.
Stage 2: Abuse Takes Place
This stage is characterized by violent episodes. They

12. include physical, emotional and even sexual abuse. Threats,
hitting, shoving, kicking, threats and intimidation are some of
the physical abuses that take place. At this stage, both parties
to the violence experience a feeling of relieving the tension that
had been built up in stage one has been released (Dutton, 2006).
In the King’s family, this stage is portrayed by
numerous cases of physical injuries which have been inflicted
by Marty onto his wife. Some of the evident marks are; black
eyes, bruises, burns, concussions and broken arms of which
Amy has acquired. It is the initial stage of violence in the
family because at the time of occurrence, Marty never cared
what he was doing hence ended up hurting his wife and his
children. There is a pattern that Marty seems to be very
irrational and it seems hard for anyone to reason with him. His
abusive character can be reinforced through the release of
tension after the aggression. In my opinion, I believe the
family entered this stage when the husband started mistreating
the wife. The effects of this phase are pronounced and it is
evident that they are affecting the kids.
Stage 3: Apologies, Excuses, and Making Amends
At this stage victims show calmness, become non-
violent and surprisingly loving. The abuser comes back to
senses and starts taking responsibility for his character. This
shades ray of hope to his partner as he starts seeking for pardon
for his unwelcome character and promises to change and never
to repeat. After all that abuse, the abuser may pretend as if
nothing happened, and he just overreacted for no apparent
reason to warrant violence. To cover it up, he may get the
partner some presents in form of gifts, show a lot of affection
and care to his partner so as to try and rectify for his
unbecoming behavior (Dececco, Island, & Letellier, 2013). To
achieve this, the victim tries as much as possible to avoid abuse
once and for all. In some instances, the victim is opting either
to continue with the relationship or quit.
Kings family enters this stage when they downplay the violence
in their family. It is very apparent, especially when Amy and

13. her family filed a protection case against Marty. However, they
failed to appear in court and the case was dismissed. According
to the given information about the family, few incidences have
been advanced to bring out this phase clearly.
Stage 4 Calm
At this stage, the relationship is very calm and peaceable. The
partners may decide to take up counselling services while at the
same time find the best means to ask for pardon. This can
result in a “honeymoon” period which will soon fade until the
next “stressor” is triggered to repeat the cycle. During the calm
phase to smooth over the tension, the aggressor will try to
enhance intimacy in the relationship by buying presents,
showing good gestures and showing effort to make amends.
This can lead them to even enjoying passionate sex (Collett &
Bennett, 2015). In my own opinion, this stage is not fully
advanced in the Kings family. There are no incidences where
either of the partners is extending intimacy through purchase of
gifts or seeking for forgiveness. If the situation worsens, they
can get divorce or one of the partners can get killed. However,
the available details are limited to warrant substantial
conclusion on the stage.
In summary, domestic violence is a societal vice that needs to
be controlled at an early stage before it becomes advanced.
Failure of taking the necessary measures results to physical,
mental and psychological harm to involved parties, family and
entire society at large. The behavior exhibited by parents is
emulated by their children and this result into an extended cycle
of violence. Services of family counselor could help the
victims as through guidance and counseling. Both parties can
grow to understand each other and nurture a stable family. As
evident in King’s family; the violence between the parents has
psychologically affected the children. For example; the
daughter likes spending much time with her boyfriend. Perhaps
to avoid witnessing the chaos between the parents while the boy
is reported in have involved himself in bad behaviors perhaps to

14. forget about those domestic violence.
References:
Collett, D., & Bennett, T. (2015). Putting Intimate Partner
Violence On Your Radar. Journal of the American Academy of
Physician Assistants, 28(10) 24-28.
Dececco, J., Island, D., & Letellier, P. (2013). Men Who Beat
the Men Who Love Them: Battered Gay Men and Domestic
Violence. Routledge.
Dutton, D. G. (2006). Rethinking Domestic Violence. UBC
Press.
Phase 2 Discussion Board
Family and Domestic Violence
CUS420-1504A-01
Instructor Randal Peterson
Colorado Technical University Online
October 18, 2015
The Assignment details: There are certain risk factors that
heighten the potential for a family to experience domestic
violence. The King family has a number of dynamics that make
them particularly susceptible to family violence. Discuss the
following:

15. · Identify at least 3 risks factors that contribute to the family
violence in the King household.
· As a domestic violence counselor, what are some signs or
symptoms that would concern you as an advocate for the King
family?
· Can an argument be made that Ashley and Aaron are
experiencing childhood abuse or neglect while living with their
parents?
MY ANSWER
Financial struggles – the family is highly susceptible to
violence especially in the case where there are financial
challenges. Families that have a lot of children and only one
income producer face challenges in sustaining their family
which then becomes a challenge in itself as it impacts the well-
being of each individual and as a whole.
Lack of employment – lack of employment is a trigger to
domestic violence because the lack of job to sustain ones family
alienates them from others. They lack sense of “belonging”
especially in the identification aspects with the society.
Criminal charges filed against their son – when a family is in
crisis, their children are statistically prone to have issues. This
has a tendency to create a ripple effect on the parents who, due
to frustrations, blame each other for poor upbringing which can
result in violence.
Domestic violence can be portrayed through several factors
especially when the issue is very serious. The extent to which
the family struggles are real and evident. There are always
unsettled issues in the family and this can result in one’s ability
to completely concentrate in their places of work. Lack of
peace of mind is an issue that will make one not to effectively
deliver in job. A problem of concern is separating what
happens at home from what happens at work. A person needs to

16. find a balance so not everyone is affected in a negative way. I
would be majorly concerned when the head of the family is not
in a position to take charge of his family, as this can put the
entire family into deep trouble. Though he may be the main
source of income, I’m certain he’d feel that he is entitled to
make all the rules because he feels he is the reason why they are
sustaining their household. However, the wife should have
equal say in the matter regardless of her employment status.
Lack of monetary support and healthy guidance can make the
siblings develop psychological problems especially from the
struggles which they witness from their parents (Letellier,
2013). One must find a balance in their household and have at
least good communications amongst each other. Otherwise, it
becomes a dysfunctional family and various forms of abuse
emerge from the lack of balance.
Furthermore, physical damages and injuries is common place
for the victims. These injuries can be in form of burns, bruises
and broken parts in the victims. This poses psychological
pressure to the other members in the family. They always live
in awe of being the next victim. The impact also makes the
victims have low self-esteem of themselves a factor which
would likewise make them not to be effective in their service
delivery. All these impacts are effectively transferred to their
children and surprisingly, they acquire the same traits in their
adulthood. Poor upbringing therefore leads to poor families in
the future and families should be vigilant in their behavior to
ensure that they act as the best role models for their kids and
the entire society (Renzetti, 2014).
As an advocate for the King Family, I’d be greatly concerned of
the mental health of the parents and the children. The parents
lack the respect for each other and their role as parents.
Children learn and act based upon what they observe.
Ultimately, without guidance, who really knows if the children
understand right from wrong and what is or isn’t acceptable.

17. This becomes an argument of nature versus nurture. If the
parents abuse each other or abuse their children, the children
will think it is acceptable to abuse anyone as well; whether it be
a fellow student in school or if the child(ren) peruses a
relationship of their own. As for the person who is being
abused and a child is witness growing up; if the victim doesn’t
report and seek help, the observing child will think that
behavior is acceptable and allow themselves to be victimized.
Therefore, it is true to allude that Ashley and Aaron are
experiencing childhood abuse rather than neglect while living
with their parents. This is because some of the traits which
children acquire from their parents in their early ages are
critical in influencing their future behavior. For the male
children, they can be seen to use excessive force and even
violence to restrain their partners from leaving them. Therefore,
the Ashley and Aaron are experiencing childhood abuse from
their parents (Letellier, 2013).
References:
Letellier, P., & Island, D. (2013). Men who beat the men who
love them: Battered gay men
and domestic violence. Routledge.
Renzetti, C. M., & Miley, C. H. (2014). Violence in gay and
lesbian domestic partnerships.
Routledge.
1
PHASE 1 INDIVIDUAL PROJECT: MEMO

18. Shawna Mason
Phase 1 Individual Project
Family and Domestic Violence
CUS420-1504A-01
Instructor Randal Peterson
Colorado Technical University Online
October 16, 2015
Assignment Details:
Week 1 Requirement:
Review the domestic violence (DV) wheel (also referred to as
the Duluth model), discuss the categories, and give examples of
each.
Key Assignment
In this course, you will assume the role of a domestic violence
victim advocate. Consider the scenario of the King family. For
the Key Assignment, you will draft a memo to your supervisor,
outlining what would be the best possible intervention options
for the King family. The memo will include the following
components:
· Outlining the key risk factors in the family
· The DV phase the family is currently in based on the cycle of
DV
· A discussion of the teen dating violence experienced by
Ashley
· The ramifications of DV on Aaron’s behavior and criminal
case
The activities in each phase of this course will prepare you to
complete the Key Assignment
MY Submitted assignment: interoffice memorandumto:

19. jane smith, supervisorfrom:
shawna Masonsubject:
The king familydate:October 16, 2015cc:
randal peterson
I am writing to inform you of my assessment regarding the King
family household. My evaluation incorporates the Duluth
Method pertaining to the issue of domestic violence within the
household. These are my honest evaluations and I would
greatly appreciate your feedback on the same.
In brief, the case summary is that Marty, husband to Amy King,
has 10 known reported domestic violence calls made since 2000.
No arrests have been made until 2010; when Marty was charged
with domestic battery for harming Amy. Amy and her children,
Ashley and Aaron, were placed in a safe location with the
guidance of her victim advocate and has a pending order of
protection against Marty. The order wasn’t upheld due to
Amy’s failure to report in court and the order was dismissed as
was the criminal case. Amy proceeded to return to Marty and
reside in the home. It is also reported that the son, Aaron, has
anger issues that led to his arrest for battery against another
student and has known history of fighting in school. Aaron has
poor academic performance and standings. The daughter,
Ashley, is an outstanding student, an outgoing individual, and is
a member of the track team. She is said to be serious
relationship with a fellow student named Jake. It is known by
witness testimony that Jake is possessive, controlling and
manipulative of Ashley and concern of her well-being is
questioned when she has noticeable bruising on her neck and
arms. This family has a history and patterns of domestic
violence, financial troubles, and emotional abuse that needs to
be evaluated and addressed.
Looking at the power and control Duluth model wheel; Marty

20. King uses physical violence, abusive language to assume power
and control over his family, and anyone that poses threat to the
family. Marty uses male privilege to prevent his wife from
sustaining employment, isolates her from family and friends for
a better part of her year, and limits her spending. He also uses
adult privilege to try and control Ashley. Marty is the only
member of the family who maintains employment. He,
therefore, economically abuses the wife and the children.
Since the Power and Control wheel does not include all the
forms of risk factors; a comprehensive list of the risk factors is
as follows (Asmus, Ritmeester, & Pence, 1991):
1. Economic stress. The King’s family has been experiencing
economic hardships for fifteen years in their 19 year marriage.
2. Dependence. There is a huge dependence by the Amy
(wife/mother) and the two children (Aaron, Ashley) whom rely
on Marty King (husband/father). He has a tight reign over the
income and family spending. Thus why, the family is entirely
dependent on him.
3. Dominance and control of the relationship by one partner
over the other. Marty does not allow Amy to have a job longer
than a few weeks. Each time that she has secured employment,
she leaves the job due to the need to “take care of personal
matters.”
4. Repeat Victimization. There have been no less than 10
domestic violence calls to the police since 2000 for domestic
violence. In 2010, Marty has only been charged once in court
for a domestic violence matter that was later dismissed resulting
after Amy failed to appear in court. She and her children later
went back to the family home they had left months earlier. She
has also severally been seen with black eyes, bruising, burns,
and concussions. She also once had a spiral fracture on her
arm.
5. Aggressive and delinquent behaviors of the son, Aaron King.
Recently was charged for battery for rendering a student to be
hospitalized and is awaiting trial in Juvenile Court. He is

21. known to be an angered teenager and appears to be the
aggressor. He reportedly often fought in school and has
multiple discipline issues. It is unknown if he was ever was
victimized because he has been seen with bruises on his face or
if it were determined as a result of his aggressive actions. He
also has poor academic performance.
6. Low self-esteem of daughter, Ashley King. Ashley is a
victim of dominance and control by said boyfriend, Jake. She is
in an alleged abusive relationship believed to physically assault
her. He also makes troubling comments on social media about
Ashley. She refuses to leave the relationship and may be
deemed co-dependent. Ashley is also believed to be a victim of
verbal and emotional abuse by Jake’s controlling ways.
It is important to note that Aaron King’s behavior is majorly
influenced by the domestic violence that he has witnessed at
home. He is angry, aggressive and hostile towards other people
as a consequence of the behavior bestowed upon his mother
Amy. It appears to be difficult for Aaron to concentrate in
school; hence the poor academic grades. It can be seen that
Aaron is concerned about the welfare of his sister, Ashley, and
the contributing facts of how Jake abuses her both physically
and verbally, even on social media. It is quite possible that
Aaron may face juvenile detention based on his family and
personal incidences of violence.
Ashley on the other hand, appears to have low self-esteem
issues. She is under the assumption that Jake “understands” her
life and disregards his behavior towards her. She thinks that
this kind of relationship that she has with Jake is healthy and
considered normal since it is similar to what her parents share
as a couple. She believes that Jake needs her. Therefore, she
feels that she needs to protect him from the forced separation by
her father and any reporting of physical abuse to the police. Her
bruises on her arms and neck probably signal arm twisting and
chocking by Jake.
My assessment is that the family is enduring the power and

22. control stage. I feel that that they need immediate attention to
rectify the situation (Pence & Paymar, 1993). My advisement is
to charge and prosecute Marty King and Jake for “domestic
battery” or “physical assault.” If verdict(s) are upheld and
sentenced to jail or of the like; I would recommend the
participation in a non-violence men’s program during their
rehabilitative care. The children and their mother should join
support groups that are focused on the issues they endured, how
to overcome and excel in a more positive direction. Individual
and group therapy is also suggested as these remedies could
help them rebuild their self-esteem and sense of worth.
Kindly advise me in any feedback in the King’s case. If
you have any points that require clarification or need further
assessment, please do let me know.
Regards,
Shawna Maoon
Shawna Mason
Domestic Violence Victim Advocate
Combating Domestic Violence Against Women,
The Duluth Program

23. References:
Asmus, M. E., Ritmeester, T., & Pence, E. L. (1991).
Prosecuting Domestic Abuse Cases in Duluth: Developing
Prosecution Strategies from Understanding the Dynamics of
Abusive Relationships. Hamline Law Review, 15(1), 115-166.
Pence, E., & Paymar, M. (1993). Education Groups for Men
Who Batter: The D Model. Springer Publishing Company.