Additional Services
Domestic Violence Assessments
A domestic violence assessment is a structured, evidence-informed tool used to evaluate the
presence, severity, and dynamics of abuse within intimate or family relationships. The tool evaluates
an individual’s experience with, exposure to or risk of domestic abuse, and helps professionals
understand the nature, severity and impact of abuse in order to guide appropriate interventions,
supports case planning, risk management, and court-related decisions by providing a clearer
understanding of safety concerns and intervention needs.
This assessment is designed to:
- Screen for current or past abuse, including physical, emotional, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse
- Assess risk factors such as patterns of coercive control, escalating violence, threats, and access to weapons
- Evaluate immediate and long-term safety needs counseling, legal advocacy, shelter, or protective services for victims and any involved children
- Determine the impact of abuse on mental health, functioning, and daily life
- Give support-informed recommendations for mental health diagnostics, counseling services, chemical dependency evaluations, psychological assessments, domestic violence programming or parenting classes
- Assist in monitoring compliance with court orders or supervision plans (for probation cases)
Assessments are conducted in a confidential, trauma-informed and non-judgmental environment
prioritizing the individual’s safety, dignity, and autonomy. This approach leads to a thorough
assessment that enables professionals to make informed decisions in both community and judicial
contexts.
Expert Witness Services: Domestic & Sexual Violence
Anita provides expert witness testimony in cases involving domestic violence and sexual violence,
offering courts a clear, evidence-informed understanding of the dynamics, impact, and behavioral
patterns associated with abuse.
With specialized training and extensive field experience, I offer objective, professional insight to assist
judges, attorneys, and juries in understanding complex issues related to:
- Power and control dynamics in abusive relationships
- Patterns of coercive control, trauma bonding, and delayed reporting
- Psychological and emotional effects of abuse
- Victim behavior that may appear counterintuitive to those unfamiliar with trauma
- Risk factors, lethality indicators, and post-trauma responses
- Systems barriers that survivors often face in seeking help
My testimony is grounded in current research, trauma-informed practice, and professional standards, and
is presented in a clear, accessible manner for both legal professionals and lay audiences.
Whether serving the defense, prosecution, or family court proceedings, I aim to support fair, informed
decision-making by providing context that enhances understanding of victim experiences and offender
behavior.