Domestic Violence, Dove, and Divorce Mediation

Abstract

The primary objective of this article is to describe DOVE, a 19-item instrument designed to assess and manage the risk of domestic violence between partners during and following their participation in divorce mediation. Assessing risk, more specifically how DOVE can be used to assess risk, is described first. The resulting risk scores (TOTDOVE) are used to assign individuals to risk categories. Problems associated with using categorical, frequency, and probability risk assessment formats in interpreting and communicating risk are discussed in the second segment of the article. A dual, categorical/probability format is advocated. Managing risk using Safety Plan interventions that are linked with risk category and predictor subscores on control, substance abuse, anger, relationship problems, mental health problems, and conflict is covered in the final segment.

Validation of a Measure of Intimate Partner Abuse With Couples Participating in Divorce Mediation

“…In general, most researchers fall somewhere between these two extreme positions (Beck & Frost, 2007;Ellis & Stuckless, 2006;Johnston & Campbell, 1993;Kelly & Johnson, 2008;Salem & Dunford-Jackson, 2008;Ver Steegh & Dalton, 2008). There is general agreement that at the very least there need to be adequate screening measures for IPA in couples attempting mediation (Beck & Sales, 2001;Ellis, 2008;Mathis & Tanner, 1998;Salem & Dunford-Jackson, 2008;Ver Steegh & Dalton, 2008).…”

“…An instrument created by Newmark et al (1995) was compiled from several existing measures including the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus, 1979), the Procedural Justice Scale (Roehl, 1988), and the Marital Power and Decision-Making Scale (Blood & Wolfe, 1960). Several additional screening instruments have been created (Erickson & McKnight, 1990;Michigan Supreme Court, 2006;Neilson & Guravich, 1999), but to date, only one (Ellis & Stuckless, 2006) has been subjected to any empirical research and only with a limited sample.…”

“…This instrument allows the mediator to assess the level of power each partner has over the other and decide if mediation is appropriate (Girdner, 1990). The Domestic Violence Evaluation (DOVE) is a 19-item instrument designed to assess and manage risks for couples both before and after divorce mediation (Ellis & Stuckless, 2006). An instrument created by Newmark et al (1995) was compiled from several existing measures including the Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus, 1979), the Procedural Justice Scale (Roehl, 1988), and the Marital Power and Decision-Making Scale (Blood & Wolfe, 1960).…”

“…Sexual assault, intimidation, and coercion are important types of abuse that have traditionally been either ignored or only minimally measured in any context (Bergen, 1996(Bergen, , 2004Finkelhor & Yllo, 1985;Marshall & Holtzworth-Munroe, 2002), but even less so within the mediation context. For example, the recently developed DOVE instrument (Ellis & Stuckless, 2006) includes one question about sexual assault and does not ask about sexual intimidation or coercion. There is one question in the Newmark et al (1995) study referring to sex; however, it does not relate directly to sexual abuse.…”

A Framework for Addressing Allegations of Domestic Violence in Child Custody Disputes

“…These risk factors have emerged from research and domestic violence death review committees, which have identified characteristics most closely associated with lethal violence (see Campbell, 1995;Campbell, Sharps, & Glass, 2001;Ellis & Stuckless, 2006;Hilton et al, 2004;Kropp, Hart, Webster, & Eaves, 1994. Commonly reported factors include separation within the 176 P. G. Jaffe et al…”