Domestic Abuse (DA) - Identifying Survivors of DA

To DA can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, or other factors. There is no limit on the number of times an individual may identify as a survivor of DA or state that their abuse is impairing their ability to comply with program requirements. Refer to Exemption/Extender for more information on program requirements that can be waived. 

County staff who interact with survivors of DA are required to recognize, to the best of their ability, the red flags, patterns, cycles, key perpetrator tactics, trauma indicators, adaptations, reactions, pro-actions, and responses to abuse. Staff should observe for signs of abuse (physical, emotional, economic, or behavioral), listen for disclosures of DA, and watch for controlling behaviors, fearfulness, and signs of isolation in clients.

Staff should interact with survivors using a trauma-informed lens and, to the best of their ability, ensure that the program and waiver process is low-barrier and low-burden for survivors.

Staff should be aware of triggers that cause memories and reactions to trauma (e.g., slamming doors, sudden noises, or retelling of experiences of abuse), and make every effort not to reinforce trauma.

Important: Staff must not require identifying details of abuse or the abuser(s).