1. Interview with Dan Aspiri – Executive Director By Anthony Ciarlo

2. Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties (DVS) is focused on providing advocacy and support services for domestic violence victims in our community. 24 hour emergency shelter for victims of violence 24 hour crisis hotline for anyone trying to reach out They provide legal services for victims requesting information free of charge Housing services for victims who have no where to go What services do they offer?

3. What are your individual job duties? What does a typical day consist of? Dan is the Executive Director of DVS and works on the Board of Directors. He is the lead in all policy procedures, personnel issues and HR representative. “I am involved with all aspects of the group and pretty much run everything,” Dan stated. Dan’s typical days consists of supporting all forms of the business and making sure procedures and policies are in place to help all victims in our community seeking help.

4. What do you like most about your job? Least? “The most rewarding part of my job is helping my community and making a difference in people’s lives,” Dan stated. He also enjoys being able to support his staff and have direct service to the community. “The work I do here, I like to think it truly saves lives,” Dan explained. The least thing Dan likes about his job is how busy he is because of all his responsibility which turns into long hours.

5. If you could change one thing about the job what would it be? Dan says he wouldn’t change anything about the shelter and the support they provide to the community. One thing Dan wish he could change is how much funding they receive. Since they are non-profit they rely on grants by the state and county, United Way and fundraising. Dan notes, “The way the economy is right now, we barely make it by.”

6. What do you see as causes of domestic violence? Dan says there are many causes of domestic violence. Most of it consist of power and control issues that men have over women in intimate relationships. Men using violence towards women to assert power and control. Dan explains, “We as a society have lost respect for humans and people’s rights. No one should ever be treated like this.”

7. What do you think are essential elements of intervention? With DVS’s services they first can provide the victim confidential resources, immediate housing when they have nothing. They can only house victims who have been abused by “intimate partners” which I found interesting. DVS helps the victim with resources, education, benefits such as medical and dental. They also help out with a lot of the legal aspects of filing protection orders and parenting plans. They even go to court with the victims and support them through the whole process.

8. What does he think future social workers need to know about abuse and neglect? Dan stated, “The school system has not provided enough education and training in this type of area.” He believes teaching children about these issues at an early age can help prevent it. It will help people learn more subtle signs of domestic violence. Also the importance of how to speak and interact with people who are victims. An interesting comment Dan noted, “I have my masters in counseling and never received any type of domestic violence class and it was barely brought up in my classes.”

9. Additional comments… Before ending the interview Dan wanted to add in a couple more comments. Dan stated, “This is an incredible field to work in and is extremely satisfying helping people. Everyday I receive something that shows the impact I have had on the services we provide. It is very rewarding having prior victims send us their stories and tell us where they are at now.”

10. References Business Office: 3311 W. Clearwater Ave. Suite C140 Kennewick, WA 99336 (509) 735-1295 For more information visit their website at: http://dvsbf.org/