Evaluation of a Domestic Violence Assessment Protocol Used by Employee Assistance Counselors

Abstract

This study evaluated the effectiveness of a screening and assessment protocol used by employee assistance program (EAP) counselors to identify domestic violence and make referrals. The protocol was used by ten counselors in screening 287 female clients. The protocol included asking specific questions to screen for domestic violence, assessing dangerousness by examining risk factors, and responding to identified domestic violence. When compared to a baseline period, results indicated that counselors significantly increased the percentage of women clients identified as experiencing domestic violence and were significantly more likely to provide information about services when the protocol was used. Few women were referred directly to domestic violence services. Information obtained from the counselors provided guidelines for implementing a protocol effectively.

Key Words:

• Screening
• assessment
• domestic violence
• employee assistance