NCJ Number
43390
Journal
Federal Probation Volume: 41 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1977) Pages: 10-13
Date Published
1977
Length
4 pages
Annotation
SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE PIMA COUNTY (ARIZ.) ATTORNEY'S OFFICE VICTIM WITNESS ADVOCATE (VWA) PROGRAM TO WOMEN WHO HAVE BEEN PHYSICALLY ABUSED BY THEIR MATES ARE DESCRIBED.
Abstract
MANY OF THE WOMEN ENCOUNTERED BY THE PROGRAM HAVE BEEN BEATEN SEVERAL TIMES BUT REMAIN HESITANT TO SIGN CRIMINAL COMPLAINTS OR TO END CONJUGAL RELATIONSHIPS. MOST PERCEIVE THEMSELVES AS UNABLE TO ESCAPE FROM THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLDS, WHERE THEY ARE IMPRISONED BY EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL, AND FINANCIAL TIES. FOUR PRIMARY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES ARE RENDERED TO BATTERED WOMEN WHO WISH TO LEAVE THEIR HOMES IMMEDIATELY: (1) MEETING THE WOMEN AT THEIR HOMES; (2) TRANSPORTING THEM TO A HOSPITAL FOR MEDICAL CARE OR TO A FRIEND'S HOME FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING; (3) FINDING EMERGENCY HOUSING IF NECESSARY (INCLUDING VWA STAFF MEMBERS' HOMES IN SOME INSTANCES); AND (4) OBTAINING FOOD FOR THE WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN. SECONDARY SUPPORTIVE SERVICES RENDERED TO BATTERED WOMEN WHO WISH TO END THEIR CONJUGAL RELATIONSHIPS INCLUDE LEGAL AID, REFERRAL TO PUBLIC WELFARE PROGRAMS, PROVISION OF MORAL SUPPORT, AND JOB PLACEMENT. THE VWA PROGRAM COOPERATES WITH THE COURT'S PRETRIAL RELEASE PROGRAM BY TRANSMITTING TO JUDGES THE WISHES OF BATTERED WOMEN WITH REGARD TO THE PRETRIAL DISPOSITION OF THEIR MATES. MOST OF THE WOMEN HAVE EXPRESSED THE DESIRE TO SEE THEIR MATES RECEIVE TREATMENT RATHER THAN PUNISHMENT. THE VWA STAFF ALSO COOPERATES WITH LOCAL WOMEN'S GROUPS TO EDUCATE THE COMMUNITY ABOUT THE PLIGHT OF BATTERED WOMEN.