TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2021//
TI  - Assessing polyvictimization in a family justice center: lessons learned from a demonstration project
JO  - Journal of interpersonal violence
A1  - Dagenhardt, Danielle M. Romain
A1  - Mersky, Joshua
A1  - Topitzes, James Dimitri
A1  - Schubert, Erin
A1  - Krushas, Amber E.
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - There is a growing interest in developing comprehensive assessments that measure intimate partner violence (IPV) alongside other adverse events that correlate with IPV and compound its effects. One promising line of research in this area has focused on the impact of exposure to multiple types of victimization, i.e., polyvictimization. The purpose of this study is to examine the experience of administration of a polyvictimization tool from staff and client perspectives in order to inform future tool developments and assessment procedures. Qualitative interviews and focus groups with clients and staff from a family justice center who had experience with the assessment tool were used to identify strengths and challenges of the assessment too and inform future tool development. <br><br>FINDINGS demonstrate that an assessment tool provides the space for clients to talk about trauma and facilitate empowerment, while providing the opportunity for psychoeducation and service referrals. Concerns about the assessment tool included adverse reactions without proper framing and language, as well as shifting the emphasis from screening for adversities toward strengths, coping skills, and resilience. Implications for future measurement development and establishing best practices in polyvictimization assessment are discussed, with an emphasis on the benefits of social service agencies utilizing assessment tools.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 0886-2605
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/08862605211027998
ID  - ref1
ER  -