NCJ Number
73769
Date Published
1979
Length
89 pages
Annotation
Practical information explaining the rights of and resources available to the battered woman is presented; the work is geared primarily to victims in the St. Louis, Mo., area.
Abstract
The purpose of the handbook is to present alternatives to living with violence. The legal remedies and social service agencies that can help are explained in detail. Information is included about the difficulties a woman might encounter in seeking these remedies or services. In addition, legal, housing, employment, counseling, child care, and emergency resources are listed. The battered woman is defined as any woman who suffers physical or psychological abuse by the man with whom she has or had a relationship. Prior to 1970, woman abuse was one of the most often ignored and well hidden problems in society. In the early 1970's, however, woman began to form groups and task forces to study the problem and to search for solutions. Abused women have cited tradition, children, economic dependence, emotional dependence, and fear as reasons for remaining with men who abuse them. Once the decision is made to leave, resources are available to help the abused woman. If a woman is being beaten by the man with whom she lives, there are at least eight possible actions which she may take to protect herself from further abuse. These include defending herself, calling the police, locking out the assailant, leaving the house, going to the hospital, calling friends or family, calling a hotline, or going to an emergency shelter. Legal remedies include both criminal and civil procedures. Criminal remedies would include pursuit of a prosecution for a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the case circumstances. Civil remedies include separation agreements, divorce, restraining orders, child custody orders, injunctions, and separate maintenance agreements. In pursuing any of the civil remedies, the services of a lawyer are strongly recommended. Photographs and an index are included in the handbook.