FAMILY VIOLENCE AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM (FROM INTERAGENCY WORKSHOP - ANNUAL, 14TH, P 14-17, 1979 - SEE NCJ-67808)

• NCJ Number: 67809
• Author(s): B STAR
• Date Published: 1979
• Length: 4 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: NCJ 67809 AVAILABLE ON MICROFICHE FROM NCJRS UNDER NCJ 67808.

Annotation

THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES FAMILY VIOLENCE AND HOW THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CAN BETTER DEAL WITH THE PROBLEM.

Abstract

VIOLENCE IS MUCH MORE LIKELY TO OCCUR AMONG PEOPLE WHO KNOW EACH OTHER THAN AMONG STRANGERS. A SURVEY OF 17 U.S. CITIES SHOWS THAT STRANGERS COMMITTED MOST OF THE ROBBERIES, BUT WERE ONLY INVOLVED IN 20 PERCENT OF THE AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS AND 15 PERCENT OF THE HOMICIDES. THERE ARE THREE CATEGORIES OF FAMILY VIOLENCE: ASSAULTS AGAINST CHILDREN, SPOUSAL ASSAULTS, AND SEXUAL ASSAULTS. OTHER FORMS ARE SIBLING VIOLENCE, PARENT BATTERING, AND ABUSE OF THE ELDERLY. THE VIOLENCE IS MEASURED BY DEGREES OF SEVERITY, FREQUENCY, AND INTENSITY. OTHER CHARACTERISTICS ARE THAT MINOR INCIDENTS CAN TRIGGER ASSAULTS, EACH VIOLENT EPISODE FURTHER ERODES THE ASSAULTER'S MECHANISMS OF EXTERNAL CONTROL, EMOTIONAL ABUSE USUALLY ACCOMPANIES PHYSICAL ABUSE, AND USE OF ALCOHOL INCREASES THE RISK OF INJURY. INTIMIDATION AND VIOLENCE SERVE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL BY INSTILLING FEAR IN FAMILY MEMBERS, WHILE ASSAULTERS DEVISE WAYS TO EXTERNALIZE THE BLAME FOR THEIR BEHAVIOR, AND MOST VICTIMS FEEL RESPONSIBLE FOR CAUSING THE FAMILY PROBLEMS. FAMILIES IN WHICH VIOLENCE OCCURS TYPICALLY HOLD FEW FRIENDSHIP TIES OR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENTS. ONE OF THE CHARGES LEVELED AGAINST THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IS ITS APPARENT LACK OF CONCERN ABOUT INTRAFAMILIAL CONFLICTS. SUGGESTED IDEAS FOR DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM INCLUDE DEVELOPING OF INSERVICE TRAINING PROGRAMS; PROMOTING INTERNAL HARMONY BETWEEN GROUPS SUCH AS POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICT ATTORNEYS; PROVIDING THE VICTIMS WITH EMOTIONAL SUPPORT; SETTING UP A SEPARATE UNIT FOR HEARING FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES; PROSECUTING WHETHER OR NOT THE VICTIM AGREES TO APPEAR IN COURT; GIVING JUDGES OTHER SENTENCING ALTERNATIVES BESIDES PRISON, PROBATION, OR FREEDOM FOR THE OFFENDER; EDUCATING THE PUBLIC; DEVELOPING COMMUNITY SUPPORT NETWORKS; DEMANDING SUPPORTIVE LEGISLATION; AND CONVINCING THE PUBLIC THAT FAMILY VIOLENCE IS AN UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR. NO REFERENCES ARE INCLUDED.