DVOMB Quarterly Minute
April 2021
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The Impacts of COVID-19
Nearly a year ago when the world was first learning of COVID-19, many individuals in the field of intimate partner violence predicted that COVID-19 would be consequential for those experiencing abuse. The research is in and it says that the experts were right. Alex Piquero et al., recently published a meta-analysis examining the impact of COVID-19. Here is a summary of their findings:
Domestic violence incidents in the U.S. increased by 8.1% following the imposition of stay-at-home orders. The studies included in this review draw on a wide range of data, from logs of police calls for service to domestic violence crime reports, emergency hotline registries, health records, and other administrative documents.
While evidence to support the findings is strong, it is unclear precisely which factors drove the 2020 spike in domestic violence. The authors believe lockdowns and pandemic-related economic impacts may have exacerbated factors typically associated with domestic violence, such as increased unemployment, stress associated with childcare and homeschooling, and increased financial insecurity.
The authors also note that by isolating parents and children in their homes, the pandemic separated potential victims from the network of friends, neighbors, teachers, and other individuals capable of reporting signs of abuse and helping those at risk escape a dangerous environment.
More information about their findings and the study can be found here.
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April Board Meeting
The DVOMB is continuing to meet virtually and the next meeting falls on April 9th, 2021. In recognition of Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM), the DVOMB will host Mary Pat Luetke-Stahlman who is the Executive Director of Deaf Overcoming Violence through Empowerment (DOVE). There will be 1 hour of training credit offered at the next Board meeting for those in attendance.
We hope to see you there!
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When – April 9, 2021
Time – 9:00AM – 12:30PM
Where – Online Only Via WebEx (Click here to Register)
Approved Board Minutes
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The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee
The DVOMB recently approved the creation of an ad hoc committee charged with four important goals:
- Convene an ad hoc committee consisting of members with diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, and life experiences;
- Explore and make recommendations regarding DVOMB policies and procedures to support diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts;
- Explore and make recommendations regarding DVOMB Standards and Guidelines to enhance service delivery in areas related to cultural competency, implicit bias, trauma, and broader social justice issues of racism and intersectionality.
- Identify possible training content areas for future DVOMB meetings and for Approved Providers.
The Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will be chaired by Jennifer Parker who is a Board member representing Mental Health Professionals and DVOMB Approved Providers. Like all other DVOMB meetings, this committee is open to the public and will start meeting virtually sometime in April or May. Further details regarding recurring meeting dates/times will be forthcoming. If you are interested in collaborating and being apart of this important work, please contact Jesse Hansen via email at Jesse.hansen@state.co.us by no later than April 12th, 2021.
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Welcome New Board Members!
Eronilde (Nil) Buckley – Nil was born and raised in a small village in Northern Brazil (Maranhao). Nil is one of seven children. Her father was a farmer and her mother was a full-time stay home mother. She moved to the United States at the age of 22 to pursue a better education with the intention to return home and become an English Professor. She was the first in her family to go to college and learn a second language. Nil graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from the University of Phoenix and later obtained a Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counselor from the University of Colorado. She began working with monolingual clients convicted of domestic violence in 2013. Over the past eight years, she has worked in Outpatient Clinical Setting, Prison (DOC) and private practice. Nil is currently the Executive Director and Founder of Vivus Counseling. Nil also works with Veteran’s Trauma Court and Domestic Violence Courts in El Paso County.
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Question for the DVOMB:
Can I do an evaluation or provide treatment to a client who has moved to another state?
Answer: It depends, but most likely the answer is no. While DVOMB Approved Providers who have been approved through the Teletherapy or E-Therapy variance can provide services remotely, it does not mean you can offer treatment to anyone, anywhere. In these circumstances, it is best to contact the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) to see what the requirements are for services outside of the State of Colorado. Services provided to a client in another state could also require you to be credentialed in that state.
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Training Opportunities
Did you miss our training announcement? No worries, click here to learn what training events are happening.
You can also visit our website for a listing of upcoming trainings.
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DVOMB Provider
Data Management System
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Implementation of the new Provider Data Management System (PDMS) is underway! DVOMB program staff appreciate everyone’s support during this migration. Most Approved Providers have authenticated their accounts and are all set. If you are an Approved Provider and have not yet authenticated your account, you will want to soon because the Renewal Applications will only be accepted through the PDMS. If you missed any of the trainings, here are the links to the pre-recorded trainings based on practice level.
One final training on the PDMS is scheduled for April 12th from 12:00 – 1:00PM. This training is open to the public.
Register in advance for the April 12th PDMS training: Click Here
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
If you have any questions in the meantime, please contact Jesse Hansen.
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Conference Award Nominations
Denise Fransua Domestic Violence Offender Management Leadership Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits the attributes of effective leadership in domestic violence offender management. This person should exhibit charisma, demonstrate exceptional compassion, dedication, be influential and driven to make a difference in either reducing the occurrence of domestic violence or making a difference in the lives of victims of domestic violence. His/her/their efforts should have resulted in positive change and significant contributions to their community or the state in domestic violence offender management. This award is appropriate for treatment providers, supervision officers, victim advocates, law enforcement, caseworkers, and other professionals responsible for domestic violence offender management.
Gary Burgin Sex Offender Management or Treatment Leadership Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits the attributes of effective leadership in sex offender management or treatment. This person should have respect among peers, and a high level of integrity. This person should promote collaboration, and his/her/their efforts should have resulted in positive change and significant contributions to their community or the state in sex offender management or treatment. This award is appropriate for treatment providers, supervision officers, caseworkers, researchers, and other professionals responsible for sex offender management/treatment.
Senator Norma Anderson Excellence in Victim Advocacy Award
This award will honor a person who exhibits excellence, innovation, or creativity in victim representation. This person should demonstrate exceptional compassion, dedication, and commitment to victims. This award is appropriate for victim advocates and representatives, victim therapists, law enforcement, and other professionals who work with or for victims.
Deadline June 4, 2021
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Policy Update
DVOMB Guidance Regarding COVID-19 and Teletherapy or E-Therapy
The Division of Criminal Justice, Office of Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Management (ODVSOM) has been monitoring the COVID-19 virus and assessing the situation along with its impact over the last year. The ODVSOM has reviewed literature and gathered data from stakeholders about the continued use of Teletherapy or E-Therapy in the era following the COVID-19 pandemic. There are numerous practical, clinical, and safety-related considerations regarding Teletherapy or E-Therapy with domestic violence offenders.
On March 12th, 2021, the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB) approved an indefinite extension of the Teletherapy or E-Therapy Variance approvals until the DVOMB adopts Standards and Guidelines regarding its use. This means that Approved Providers who were approved to use Teletherapy or E-Therapy Variance may continue doing so until further notice by the DVOMB. As part of this decision, the DVOMB also directed the Application Review Committee (ARC) to draft Standards and Guidelines around the appropriate and safe use of Teletherapy.
Administrative Policies (Appendix D of the Standards)
On March 12th, the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB) reviewed and approved revisions to Appendix D of the Standards (click here) which pertain to the Administrative Policies of the DVOMB. The provisions of this Appendix constitute the regulatory processes of the DVOMB related to applications, listing, denial of placement, complaints, appeals, and other administrative actions.
These approved revisions are not yet final. You have the opportunity to provide comments on the approved revisions. The Board is offering all stakeholders the opportunity to comment on the Administrative Policies, as revised, for consideration by the Board before final ratification. The DVOMB will be reviewing the public comments at the April Board meeting.
Public comments are considered anonymous and confidential and any identifying information will be removed when presented to the Board. Please direct any comments, concerns, or recommendations you have to Jesse Hansen via email at Jesse.hansen@state.co.us by no later than April 6th, 2021, close of business.
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Contact Us
Phone: 303.239.4528
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