NCJ Number
167239
Date Published
1997
Length
91 pages
Annotation
This report, intended to serve as a guide for local prosecutors and other individuals who work with the criminal justice system, analyzes what actions need to be taken to effectively address domestic violence and emphasizes the need for collaboration within the criminal justice system and between policymakers at Federal, State, and local levels.
Abstract
Given the important role of both criminal and civil justice systems, the limited resources available to address domestic violence, and goals relative to intimate abuse that are embodied in the Violence Against Women Act, it is important that all components of the criminal justice system closely examine current domestic violence prevention efforts, prioritize the use of available resources, and coordinate efforts. The report describes strategies for enhancing the prosecution of domestic violence cases, the initiation of domestic violence cases into the criminal justice system, prosecutor training and education about domestic violence, relevant Federal legislation, advantages and disadvantages of family courts, ways in which family law issues affect the prosecution of domestic violence cases, and ways of funding domestic violence prevention projects through public- private partnerships. Additional information on domestic violence is contained in seven appendixes. References, figures, and photographs