NCJ Number
124649
Date Published
1989
Length
210 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of legislative reform in domestic violence in Australia is studied.
Abstract
The Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) was developed as a mechanism for domestic violence victims to control the behavior of offenders for up to six months at a time. The present research attempts to examine whether the ADVO is being used by victims and law enforcement officials, and whether offender's behavior is truly effected by the ADVO. The more general goals of the research include monitoring the implementation of domestic violence legislation, comparing the number of assault charges brought by police and private informants before and after the legislation, monitoring the use of the Bail Act and the new police bail form to effect short term separation between the parties in domestic violence situations, and monitoring the number and nature of ADVOs made by the courts and to compare the numbers initiated by police and private informants. Other goals include to determine the extent to which complainants seeking ADVOs were successful, monitor the number of ADVO breaches brought before the court, monitor the number of telephone warrants utilized by the police to authorize entry into premises, and monitor the provisions to compel spouses to give evidence to the court. Goals also survey victims concerning their experiences of the legislation, identify any problems which may exist in the legislature, survey chamber magistrates concerning their views on the adequacy and appropriateness of the legislation, and to identify any problems. 70 references, 7 figures, 82 tables, 16 appendixes.