Ethical Considerations for Interpersonal Violence

Presenter: Lauren Shaivitz, Esq., LMSW

Bio: Lauren Shaivitz, Esq., LMSW, is both a lawyer and social worker with more than 25 years of experience in the field of domestic violence, sexual abuse and elder abuse. She served as CHANA's Director of Programs for 6 years and became the Executive Director in November 2018. She has established policies and procedures that have sustained core components of a comprehensive domestic violence center while incorporating innovative practices that have addressed the complex trauma that victims experience. Ms. Shaivitz served as president of the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence from 2014-2015 and won the Outstanding

Jewish Communal Professional award in 2018.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify best practices with informed consent with victims and survivors of domestic violence

• Describe how to navigate confidentiality with victims and survivors of domestic violence

• Discuss ethical considerations when weighing the potential benefits vs. risk of harms with victims and survivors of domestic violence

• Assess clients’ rights to make informed decisions

• Course Description: This course will explore the ethical considerations when providing services to victims and survivors of domestic violence. A social worker has a responsibility to practice ethically by considering the potential benefit versus risk of harm to clients when planning and delivering professional social work services, including respecting and facilitating clients’ rights to make informed decisions (COMAR 10.42.03.01).  This ethical obligation often is at issue when treating victims and survivors of domestic violence as their actions, even seeking help, can incite violence from their abusive partners. Topics will include the importance and nuances of informed consent, supporting clients in making informed decisions and how to navigate confidentiality with domestic violence survivors. The workshop will include both a presentation by the instructor and case studies. 

2.0/Category 1 CEU's (Ethics)