Problem:
African-Americans are more likely to make informal disclosures to family members and friends rather than to law enforcement. This is due to the fact that "responding officers often do not create safe environments for survivors as they are less likely to arrest the perpetrator at the time of the incident due to the survivors' injuries not being acknowledged" (Moore, 2025). Developing a culturally responsive safety plan, exploring trusted support systems, and connecting the client with IPV-specific and culturally informed resources would be essential steps. These resources may include community-based domestic violence shelters, culturally responsive advocacy organizations serving Black women, trauma-informed counseling services, and confidential crisis resources such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
If an imminent risk to the client or her children is identified, mandated reporting and emergency intervention may be required. However, it is equally important to clearly explain the limits of confidentiality, involve the client in decision-making whenever possible, and avoid actions that may unintentionally increase danger (American Counseling Association, 2014). Regardless of professional status, under Indiana Code § 31-33-5-1, "an individual who has reason to believe that a child is a victim of child abuse or neglect shall make a report" to the Indiana Department of Child Services. When children are involved, collaboration with child-protective services should be approached with transparency and sensitivity to reduce fear and mistrust while prioritizing safety. Throughout the process, maintaining a client-centered stance that validates the client's lived experiences and autonomy is critical to fostering trust and engagement in treatment. Need Assignment Help?