NCJ Number
139155
Date Published
1990
Length
157 pages
Annotation
Following an overview of theories on domestic violence causation and prevalence, this book examines how various components of the criminal justice system respond to domestic violence as well as the merits and limitations of various new approaches now being attempted.
Abstract
Part I, which focuses on the "classic response to domestic violence, provides a brief discussion of the controversy over the proper framework in which to study domestic violence and what is currently known about its scope in American society. Another chapter in Part I addresses the historical basis of the "classic" pattern of non-interference of the criminal justice system in domestic violence. Remaining chapters of Part I focus on the characteristics of traditional policies; the critique advanced by researchers, political advocates, and modern administrators; and the factors that have contributed to the continuation of practices by insular bureaucracies even when these factors are no longer considered viable by their administrators. The first chapter of Part II traces the external pressures that have led to the changes now being implemented. The remaining chapters of Part II present a detailed discussion of major improvements now being adopted or discussed. These include removal of procedural barriers to official action, new substantive domestic violence laws, the increased use of arrests and of prior restraints upon known offenders, and the development of court-sponsored mediation and counseling programs. Emphasis in these discussions is not only on the specific reforms but also upon the growing controversy over decisions to remove or limit agency discretion. 216 references and a subject index