Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation - Case Study Example

Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation Hewlett-Packard PART Introduction The task of a forensic psychologist in domestic violencecases is to provide specialised analysis of the circumstances related to safety of the individuals involved and legality of a case. Safety A forensic psychologist’s foremost priority is to judge the safety and security of family members affected by the domestic violence case. It is his responsibility to ascertain if any of the spouses feels insecure and may accentuate past records pertaining to violence against a spouse, such as child abuse, if he is of the perspective that it will influence the present domestic case (Payne & Wermeling, 2009). Bearing this in mind, Mr. Flemings historical domestic violence account should be considered. Mr. Fleming has reportedly called the domestic violence unit four times after being assaulted by Mr. Fleming. However, he evaded criminal charges as Mrs. Fleming would pardon or deny the severity of the charges later. Similarly, the eldest child, Joanne has corroborated this point by quoting how barbarically her father not only beats them but also their mother. Evaluation It is crucial for a forensic psychologist to determine the degree of past domestic violence. To accomplish this, he will critically evaluate the pas records of the couple and endeavour to develop a connection between the pas records of domestic violence and the court case. Psychological analysis of the defendant may lead to the identification do psychological factors driving the violent acts, and then treatment recommendations are normally a component of the plea agreements. Moreover, in cases where a child witness’s testimony is of fundamental significance, the forensic psycho list must testify as to its authenticity. Additionally, he must evaluate restraining order violators to check impulse control and potential aggressiveness. Legality Lastly, he will assert how domestic violence is linked with the case. For instance, if one partner charges the other with domestic violence, the forensic psychologist’s has to scrutinize the evidence that corresponds to the charges (Alken & Murphy, 2010). In light of his expertise, the court will pay high regard to his stance. Conclusion Generally, it is not recommended to put a child in sole custody, joint legal or physical custody with the abusive parent. A strong, nurturing bond with a non-abusing parent is integral to enable a child to deal with the abuse. Arranging for the physical, mental, and emotional security of children will involve safe visitations by the abusive parent (Ammerman & Hersen, 2000). An abusive parent shall only enjoy this right only if the safe custody of children can be maintained. The standard on best interest of the child dictates for the child custody to be assigned to the more appropriate and safer parent. In this scenario, although Mr. Fleming has a long history of alcoholism and domestic abuse but he has made ‘has made great strides to correct these issues recently. As opposed to this, Mr Fleming ‘continues to consume alcohol frequently’; thus, the custody should be assigned to Mr. Fleming whose mental positivity reflects in his actions now. PART 2 1. Domestic violence encompasses an array of behaviours such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse targeted towards adults (normally women) and children in family environment. The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service, UK has defined domestic violence to denote a vast range of aggressive and abusive attitudes. It states that domestic violence can be seen as a behavioural pattern in an individual who abuses power to exert control over another in an intimate relation. It is found in both, mixed and same gender relations; and affects adversely the mentalities of the people, children, families, and societies involved. Unlike the old concept of physical abuse, now domestic violence in UK includes sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse too. These can result from threats, verbal abuse, harassment, property damage, economic harm, and intimidation. 2. Various models for intervention, treatment, and management of domestic abusers are enlisted below: 1. RNR model Empirical studies have revealed this model to reduce recidivism rates. The core principals can be applied in prison-based programs besides relapse prevention and community re-entry schemes. This model involves gathering information related to the mental, physical health, offender’s risk level, extent of help required to plan and make sure that adequate resources are given to the offender on his release (Hammett, Roberts, & Kennedy, 2001). Agencies and criminal justice system is working collaboratively to effectively meet the needs of released offenders. 2. Psychotropic and psychological Treatments Many prisons have now established a therapeutic environment where offenders are encouraged to develop pro social skills that would help them transition back in the community. These programmes are well suited to even mentally ill offenders. Staff is especially trained to meet the needs of the mentally ill and provide aftercare 3. Cognitive-Behavioural Treatments Intervention programs based on the cognitive-behavioural and social learning models link maladaptive thought processes and disorders with the onset and management of antisocial behaviour. (Tarolla, Wagner, Rabinowitz, & Tubman, 2002).Typically, these programmes encompass cognitive skill training, victim impact, moral reasoning, interpersonal problem sharing, attitude adjustment, cognitive restructuring, substance abuse counselling, social skill training, and relapse prevention. . Although the specific techniques used in any given cognitive–behavioural treatment program can (Landenberger & Lipsey, 2005). Essentially, CBT involves short-term and time bound methods and strategies to transform both, behavioural habits and cognitive presumption that lead to sexual deviant attitudes. These focus on treating those perceptions, sentiments that give rise to such deviance (Jeglic, Maile, & Calkins-Mercado, 2011), 4. Public Awareness and Education Now media campaigns disseminate knowledge about domestic violence, local options for protection and circumstantial reactions in the face of abuse. Similarly, programs aimed at creating awareness and developing skills have been initiated in schools to teach children other conflict-resolving mechanisms and ways to build healthy family relations (Wolfe & Jaffe, 1999). 5. Community based Intervention Primarily, these programs at targeted at adolescents who have been exposed to domestic violence to teach them the benefits of a healthy family. In addition, victims of abuse are identified as early as possible and then given appropriate, co-ordinated treatments. Nowadays, courts, police, and communities have collaborated in an attempt to recognize and treat chronic and dangerous domestic abusers. 3. Myriad reasons underlie the lack of reporting and addressing of domestic abuse, such as: socio-economic status, culture, religion, sexual orientation, weak judiciary, degree of acculturation to the mainstream society, and gender roles. 1. Police and Judiciary Police work and laws in an area substantially reflect the cultural values through law enforcement. The criminal justice system in such nations largely comprises of conservative members, whose cultural values influence their work (Dixon & Browne, 2003). Unless, those with power do not recognize the gravity and repercussions of the issue, no laws can be introduced to safeguard the interests of the survivors. 2. Culture Undeniably, this is the core reason behind lack of legislations and strategies in majority of less developed nations against domestic violence. In developing countries especially Asian and African ones, domestic violence is often perpetrated not by spouses but rather members of the extended family such as mother-in-law, who inflict emotional and verbal abuse (Holtzworth-Munroe & Stuart, 2000). Similarly, these societies are closely knitted; thus, extended family and communities can condone or accelerate domestic violence through pressuring the survivors to stick with their partners. The cultural norms rampant in these regions discourage be report such matters to the police and emphasize of resolving these ‘internal conflicts’ personally (Archer, 2000). 3. Religious Stigmatization The majority religions of the world advocate life-long union, affiliating divorce or separation with partner’s low morality. Those who report or leave their partners encounter social stigma and considered as having brought shame and dishonour on the family.   References Alken, J. H., & Murphy, J. C. (2010). Evidence Issues in Domestic Violence. Family Law Quarterly , 43-62. Ammerman, R. T., & Hersen, M. (2000). Case Studies in Family Violence. New York: Plenum Publishers. Archer, J. (2000). Sex Differences in Aggression Between Heterosexual Partners:A Meta-Analytic Review. Psychological Bulletin , 651-680. Dixon, L., & Browne, K. (2003). The heterogeneity of spouse abuse: a review. Aggression and Violent Behavior , 107-130. Hammett, T. M., Roberts, C., & Kennedy, S. (2001). Health-related issues in prisoner reentry. Crime & Delinquency , 390–410. Holtzworth-Munroe, A., & Stuart, G. L. (2000). Typologies of Male Batterers: Three Subtypes and the Differences Among Them. Psychological Bulletin , 476-497. Jeglic, E. L., Maile, C., & Calkins-Mercado, C. (2011). Treatment of Offender Populations. In H.-E. Sung, & L. Gideon, Rethinking Corrections: Rehabilitation, Reentry, and Reintegration (pp. 37-70). Oaks: Sage. Landenberger, N. A., & Lipsey, M. W. (2005). The positive effects of cognitive–behavioral programs for offenders: A meta-analysis of factors associated with effective treatment. Journal of Experimental Criminology , 451–476. Payne, D., & Wermeling, L. (2009). Domestic Violence and the Female Victim: The Real Reason Women Stay. Journal of Multicultural, Gender and Minority Studies , 1-6. Tarolla, S. M., Wagner, E. F., Rabinowitz, J., & Tubman, J. G. (2002). Understanding and Treating juvenile offenders: A review of current knowledge and future directions. Aggression and Violent Behaviour , 125–143. Wolfe, D. A., & Jaffe, P. G. (1999). Emerging Strategies in the Prevention of Domestic Violence. The Future of Children Domestic Violence on Children , 133-144. Read More