Short-term
In the short-term it would be highly advisable for Maria to take out a protection order as soon as possible. As Dmitri has no known history of physical violence in his behaviour, it may be that he doesn’t understand his behaviour and needs to be explicitly told that his behaviour is illegal, as most protection orders do work in creating safety and getting the perpetrator to reconsider their behaviour (Laing & Humphreys, 2013). A protection order would also assist Maris in the court system practically with the allegations placed against her by Dmitri, in demonstrating that her inference may be validated for the safety of her children and it may also change the court systems stressfulness and disruptiveness if …show more content…
As her experience of domestic violence which was seen by them will have affected them and their relationship with her. It is important that they get family therapy as Maria and her children will respond better to be treated together then separately. As domestic violence changes the bond between mother and child, not a lack of parenting. With focus on the strengths, resilience and the relationship between Maria and her children (Laing & Humphreys, 2013; Humphreys, 2011).
It would also be beneficial for Louise and Maria to have couples counselling from a homosexual based or friendly service to ensure that they too deal with the experience of domestic violence. As a homosexual couple the chance of them facing discrimination when seeing assistance for dealing with Dmitri and the behaviours of Dmitri, as quite high. These discriminations could range from insensitive language, exclusion from services to homophobia. A service which Switchboard Victoria can provide and help Maria and Louise find a more suitable service (Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016; DVRCV, 2013; Laing & Humphreys, …show more content…
Child protection may get involve, deem her a poor mother and take her children away would be a high concern to Maria, as there has been a history of doing this by child protection (Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016). She may also fear discrimination due to her homosexual relationship with Louise and not receive assistance but disbelief or assessment. Another fear may be the victim blaming mind set which was utilized in the past and is still present in the media, which could further isolate her and involve validating Dmitri’s behaviour (Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016; Laing & Humphreys, 2013).
Another barrier to Maria disclosing the domestic violence is that of recognising it as such. As Maris made the choice to call the help-line and if she hadn’t she would have stayed within Dmitri’s control. If Maria hadn’t sought assistance when she did Dmitri’s behaviour could have escalated to the point if injuring or killing her, Louise or their children. Maria might not have recognised Dmitri’s behaviour as controlling and believed herself to be the blame for his behaviour (Royal Commission into Family Violence, 2016; Laing & Humphreys,