5.6.2  Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Services Information and Referral

A referral to a local domestic abuse and/or sexual assault agency may be made as a result of how the applicant or participant responded to the Domestic Abuse Screen or as a result of the W-2Wisconsin Works worker’s informal observations and discussions with the applicant or participant. (See 5.6.1)

If a FEPFinancial and Employment Planner or other W-2 agency employee identifies a participant, or a participant self-identifies, as a past or present victim of sexual assault or domestic abuse or as being at risk of domestic abuse, the FEP or other W-2 agency employee must provide information on community-based sexual assault and domestic abuse services.  Information must be provided on shelter and other programs for battered individuals, sexual assault provider services, medical services, sexual assault nurse examiners services, domestic abuse and sexual assault hotlines, legal and medical counseling and advocacy, mental health care, counseling and support groups.  

The FEP must talk to the participant about these services and offer a resource list in writing that the participant may take with them.  If a participant wishes to receive a referral to counseling or to a supportive service provider, the FEP or other W-2 agency employee must also make a referral to the appropriate local agency. The participant may choose to decline the referral. The participant may not be penalized for declining or opting out of the referral.

The FEP must also make the individual's case confidential in CWW when the individual is a victim of or is under the threat of domestic violence or other physical harm. (See 4.5.2)

History: Release 19-02.