Approach offender and interrogation within the framework

of domestic violence

By Els Pauwels

1. Interrogation of offender

2. Attitude of the interrogator towards the offender

3. Notification to the public prosecutor

4. Placing in care

5. Following a responsibility program

Interrogation of the offender (1)

• Model of interrogation

• At the police station

• Family situation: together for how long, children, interrupted

relationship, divorce,...

• Explanation for his behaviour (physical, psychological,

economical and sexual violence)

Interrogation of the offender (2)

• Are the children witnesses of the violence?

• How does he sees the relationship in the future?

• Is he willing to (temporarily) leave the house?

• Is he willing to follow a responsibility program?

Attitude interrogator towards offender

• See offender as a person with different roles: father, son,

employee, partner, and so on

• Give confidence during interrogation

• Find a form of solidarity / connection; starting the

interrogation from that form

• Reprimand on physical, psychological, economical and

sexual violence

Placing in care

• Offender of violence can promise to leave the home to the

police or, in case of appearance, to the office of the public

prosecutor

• Offender of violence gets conditions imposed on him at his

release by the examining magistrate

Following a responsibility program

• A responsibility program is started up by CAW (centre for general welfare work) of Leuven.

• Offender of violence has to give his permission.