Family Violence
For many victims of domestic violence, child support offers financial independence from an abusive partner. At the same time research shows that the birth of a child, establishing paternity and a child support order, and enforcing child support can be triggers for violence.
Because the child support program serves both parents, it has a unique role in reducing risks and increasing safety for victims. To promote safe access to child support, OCSE works with state, local, and tribal child support programs to partner with domestic violence, fatherhood, and child welfare programs. Check out the resources and tools on this page that child support programs can use to help victims safely and confidentially obtain child support. If you are a parent or family member concerned about family violence, contact the toll free National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) for information and resources near you.
Top Family Violence Resources
Safe Access to Child Support Services: Scope of the Issue
Published: October 21, 2015Presents new tool state agencies can use in collaboration with domestic violence experts to enhance safety practicesRoundtable on Domestic Violence
Published: September 30, 2013Provides overview of participants, agenda, key themes and summary of March 28, 2013 Roundtable proceedingsCase Worker Desk Card
Published: April 17, 2012Steps to helping domestic violence victims safely establish financial independence through pursuing child supportSafely Pursuing Child Support - Training Tools
Published: April 17, 2012Helps child support offices identify and address domestic violence issues and safely pursue child support for their customersThe Role of the Family Violence Indicator
Published: October 11, 2011Presentation about how the Family Violence Indicator is handled in the FPLS and its impact on case participantsFamily Violence Collaboration
Published: June 19, 2011Describes collaboration efforts to reduce the risk of family violence and help violence survivors pursue child support safely- View More Resources >