NCJ Number
70109
Date Published
1979
Length
25 pages
Annotation
The Domestic Violence Prevention Services Act, H.R, 2977, is presented; the purpose of the act is to provide Federal support and encouragement of State, local, and community domestic prevention activities.
Abstract
Proposed in September 1979, the act specifically provides for technical assistance and training relating to domestic violence programs to States, local agencies, and other interested groups; establishment of a Federal interagency council to coordinate Federal programs and activities relating to domestic violence; and information gathering and reporting programs relating to domestic violence. The Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare shall designate an individual with expertise relating to domestic violence prevention to serve as coordinator of the programs. In addition, the Secretary will establish and maintain a national clearinghouse on domestic violence, make legislative recommendations to the Congress, and provide for the acquisition of information regarding research projects relating to domestic violence. Grants to States meeting specific requirements will be made to assist in supporting the establishment, maintenance, and expansion of programs and projects to prevent incidents of domestic violence. Each State receiving a grant under the act's authority shall submit to the Secretary an annual report providing information relating to the implementation of programs under the act. The Secretary will prepare and submit to Congress on or before February 1 of each year a report providing specific information relating to authorized programs. This legislation was developed in response to the finding that a significant number of homicides, aggravated assaults, and assaults and batteries occur within the home between adult members of families, and that the reported number of incidents represents only a portion of the total number of incidents of domestic violence.