This pioneering approach to domestic violence brings together different organisations such as police, public prosecutor’s office, social welfare, local municipalities, youth (protective) services, probation services, amongst others, together under one roof.
Whilst an essential element of the system is that organisations have representatives in a single location, its as much about getting to know each other, knowing each other’s possibilities and limitations. It’s about creating a joint vision and a joint language to strengthen cooperation and tailor-made solutions. This is at a policy level, but especially at a victim’s level, because no two cases are the same. Everything – whether related to risk, harm, what’s driving the violence, how the violence can be addressed, impacts on the victim and family members – must be explored collaboratively. This means screening for risk factors, sharing information, analysing the situation, looking for patterns, determining the harmful practice profile (compared to families in distress, coercive control, high conflict divorce….) and developing a tailor-made approach for each individual situation, never losing sight of the safety of everyone involved, especially the safety of children. Decisions are made according to the victims’ best interests – not by what is easiest or quickest.
In the case of harmful traditional practices, Family Justice Centres can provide a multi-agency and systemic approach to assist victims. To illustrate its functioning, the team working on honour related violence within the Limburg Family Justice Centre, can be flagged as an example. The Centre works in coordination with police officers and welfare professionals to attend victims who suffered this form of violence.
When it comes to dealing with victims of harmful practices, it is fundamental to carry out an extensive analysis of the nature, level and immediacy of risk. In that regard, having a strong understanding of family ties, the community environment, and drivers behind the practice are essential. Moreover, the centres ensure that multiple agencies completely understand the risks of honour and other harmful practices, to advert further possible risks.
Likewise, the approach taken in honour violence cases is quite tailored to the circumstances of the victim. For instance, engagement with community members is not always possible, since it can add danger to the well-being of a victim. In certain cases, even, total separation from the family may be the only successful solution to avoid jeopardising the victim, or even family members opposed to unlawful practices. Total separation is extremely difficult for victims, who in many cases decide to go back to gain acceptance. In these circumstances, the center can support safer returns engaging with the family and community leaders to find a suitable resolution in line with the victim’s wishes and needs.