NCJ Number
54187
Date Published
1977
Length
155 pages
Annotation
AN OVERVIEW OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN MICHIGAN CONSIDERS CHARACTERISTICS OF VICTIMS AND ASSAILANTS, OFFICIAL BARRIERS TO ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIMS, AND REFORM RECOMMENDATIONS.
Abstract
THE REPORT IS BASED ON INFORMATION GATHERED IN HEARINGS CONDUCTED BY THE MICHIGAN WOMEN'S COMMISSION IN FIVE CITIES. DURING THE HEARINGS, TESTIMONY WAS RECEIVED FROM VICTIMS AND FROM PERSONS WHO DEAL PROFESSIONALLY WITH THE PROBLEM OF SPOUSE ABUSE. AN EXAMINATION OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING DOMESTIC ASSAULT, INCLUDING THE CHARACTERISTICS OF VICTIMS AND THEIR ASSAILANTS, REFLECTS THE PERCEPTIONS OF BOTH THE VICTIMS THEMSELVES AND OF PROFESSIONALS WHO HAVE WORKED WITH ABUSED WOMEN. THE PLIGHT OF THE DOMESTIC ASSAULT VICTIM BOTH AS THE OBJECT OF VIOLENT PHYSICAL ATTACKS AND AS SOMEONE WHO OFTEN IS NOT REGARDED AS A VICTIM AT ALL IS NOTED. TWELVE CASE HISTORIES ARE PRESENTED. THE DISCUSSION THEN TURNS TO AN ANALYSIS OF FACTORS LIMITING THE VICTIM'S ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE. MICHIGAN STATUTES PERTAINING TO THE MARITAL RELATIONSHIP AND TO THE CRIME OF ASSAULT, THE INCIDENCE OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT IN THE STATE, AND THE PROCEDURES OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SOCIAL AGENCIES ARE EXAMINED. IDEAS PRESENTED BY WITNESSES DURING THE HEARINGS ARE BROUGHT TOGETHER IN RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS FOR ALLEVIATING THE PLIGHT OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC ASSAULT. THE RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERN RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AIMED AT MAKING DOMESTIC ASSAULT A PUBLIC ISSUE RATHER THAN A PRIVATE PROBLEM; REFORMS AIMED AT ENHANCING LEGAL REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO VICTIMS AND REMOVING BARRIERS IMPOSED BY POLICE AND COURT POLICIES AND PRACTICES; AND IMPROVEMENT OF DIRECT ASSISTANCE (TEMPORARY SHELTERS, MEDICAL AID, ETC.) FOR VICTIMS. A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND A LIST OF MICHIGAN AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT DEAL WITH SPOUSE ABUSE ARE PROVIDED. (LKM)