Screening for domestic violence is a shared responsibility of the court, program directors, attorneys, mediators, and parties. However, the final determination as to appropriateness of mediation will by made by the court. All ADR programs seek to educate the public about mediation in general and about the factors which should be considered in gauging the appropriateness of mediation in a case involving allegations of domestic violence. Mediation brochures and parenting seminars for divorcing couples may be vehicles for dissemination of this information. The ADR program should determine whether there is or has been a Family Violence Petition in place.
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral person guides the parties in problem-solving.
The success of the mediation may depend upon the parties' being able to work together. Therefore, although mediation is oriented towards the future, past patterns of party interaction can have a significant impact upon the process. Questions about party interaction are also a valuable tool for detecting the presence of domestic violence in a relationship. Mediation is a process that helps parties to plan for the future . Please comment if you like.