Supervised visitation centers are critical to preserving safety for survivors. The two years following the dissolution of an abusive relationship are the most dangerous for adult and child victims of domestic violence. When custody of children is shared and visitation or exchanges must take place between a batterer and survivor, supervised visitation centers and services offer an essential safe space.
Unfortunately, the end of an abusive relationship does not necessarily mean the end of the abuse. Providing a continued connection through children, visitation and exchanges can be an opportunity for a batterer to keep attempting to exert power or control over a former partner. Thus, professionals who provide supervision during child-parent visits and monitor exchanges between parents with histories of domestic violence must understand the dynamics of domestic violence, batterer tactics, signs of ongoing abuse, and safe and appropriate methods of intervention.
Through a collaboration with Saint Francis Memorial Hospital’s Rally Visitation Program and the San Francisco Unified Family Court, La Casa de las Madres provides this training for staff of the Rally Visitation Program.
