NCJ Number
81108
Date Published
1981
Length
84 pages
Annotation
This report describes and evaluates the Domestic Intervention Program (DIP) implemented by the Dade County, Fla., State Attorney's office in 1978 to reduce domestic violence through prearrest prevention and postarrest diversion efforts.
Abstract
Surveys by the Dade County courts showed that 30 percent of the felony and misdemeanor cases processed in 2 weeks in 1978 were domestic violence incidents. To address this problem, the DIP created a prearrest prevention unit with trained counselors to which police officers routinely referred all domestic violence cases within 24 hours as an alternative to the no arrest police response. DIP also offered diversion to a treatment program. This report describes the development of both units and their 1979 caseloads, additional therapy groups initiated by the staff and revisions in the intake process, staff training and a public education campaign to increase awareness of domestic violence issues and the DIP's services. Because the DIP relied heavily on subcontracts, relationships with community agencies, consultants, and the police are reviewed. Future plans are discussed, particularly the community advocacy project designed to draw residents of Miami's riot areas into the DIP for crisis intervention. DIP achievements include dramatic increases in police referrals to the prearrest unit and influence in improving victim services and enacting legislation providing for temporary restraining orders in domestic violence cases. The appendixes contain organization charts, a description of a group therapy approach, publicity materials, and an article on family violence.