M14

WORKING WITH VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE - LEGAL AND ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Presenters: Wendy Patrick Mazzarella

Abstract Category: Ethics

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Click Here

Description:      

This presentation will discuss the different types of domestic violence victims, and common legal and ethical issues.

Abstract:

Relevance to conference attendees:

This presentation will be helpful to anyone who has contact with victims of domestic violence.  The issues presented by the various types of domestic violence victims are encountered by everyone from friends and family members to victim advocates to lawyers. 

There will also be a discussion of certain types of special relationships with victims, and when they may give rise to a duty of care.  This program will also discuss ethical issues surrounding the use of sensitive evidence in such cases, such as medical records documenting the abuse, psychological or psychiatric records documenting the accompanying mental problems that often arise in abusive relationships, and photographs of the injuries.  These issues along with discussing the reputation of a victim or witness outside of court may give rise to civil claims such as invasion of privacy, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. 

Intended Audience:

Because the issues presented have such broad relevance, the intended audience would be all conference attendees who would like to gain a greater knowledge of the legal and ethical issues presented by the different types of domestic violence victims.

How This Session Is Unique From Others:

This session, unlike others that only discuss one aspect of dealing with domestic violence victims (usually providing services), will actually present the legal and ethical rules that apply to working with domestic violence victims in the legal system.  It will also discuss issues of civil liability that may arise in the context of working with domestic violence victims.  Some of these issues become particularly relevant when sensitive evidence is discussed outside of the courtroom.