Battered Women and Criminal Justice

• NCJ Number: 107516
• Author(s): M Nerney
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 35 pages
• Corporate Author: Cmtte on Domestic Violence and Incarcerated Women
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services; Cmtte on Domestic Violence and Incarcerated Women
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This analysis of issues concerning battered women who are incarcerated for killing their abusers or for other violent crimes recommends ways for the criminal justice system to become more responsive to their needs and provide greater protection.

Abstract

The report resulted from a hearing held at the Bedford Hills (New York) Correctional Facility for Women on September 26, 1985. Most of the women were first offenders. They testified about the abuse they had experienced and the ineffectiveness of police responses. Among their proposals were services to restore the self-esteem of battered women, alternative sentences for people who are first offenders and have a background of domestic violence, and alternatives to arrest for batterers. Analysis of their problems and of literature on the battered woman syndrome indicates the need for changes in the police response to domestic violence, interagency intervention programs for domestic violence, and training of defense attorneys on the legal representation and defense strategies for battered women defendants. In addition, the New York Legislature should increase funding for shelters, advocacy, other direct services, courtroom advocates, and information materials. Additional recommendations for the police, correctional agencies, the legislature; recommendations from two other groups; and a list of committee members.