NCJ Number
170091
Date Published
1998
Length
117 pages
Annotation
The scope and severity of violence against women and the effect of such violence on the criminal justice and social service systems and on families and society require the development of effective solutions that involve prosecutors, law enforcement personnel, courts, social service professionals, victim advocates, and allied professionals.
Abstract
Coordinated violence prevention efforts promote the effective management of cases dealing with violence against women by providing mechanisms for improving communication between criminal justice and other involved agencies, establishing specific protocols for responding to these cases, and educating the community on the complex issues related to violent incidents. A coordinated response acknowledges the complex dynamics of violence against women, honors the different goals and mandates of criminal justice and social service professionals, and seeks safety and restoration for victims while also mandating accountability for batterers. One approach to coordinated community intervention involves the Coordinating Council. Guidelines are offered on how to develop, implement, and evaluate a Coordinating Council and on how to set priorities. Specific attention is paid to defining the Coordinating Council's membership, establishing the organizational and operational structure of the Coordinating Council, developing goals and a strategic action plan, and identifying funding sources and marketing approaches. Activities are suggested that have been effectively employed by existing Coordinating Councils, and contact information is provided. Appendixes offer tools for strategizing, assessing, and planning. 37 references