NCJ Number
93832
Date Published
1983
Length
271 pages
Annotation
Persons close to the problem of domestic violence testify on the nature and extent of such violence, the help being offered to victims, the need for Federal aid, police policies and procedures, and suggestions for Federal legislation to deal with the problem of family violence.
Abstract
Testimony is given by domestic violence victims, abusers, advocates for victims, counselors, and police officials. The witnesses are unanimous in identifying family violence as a serious problem in their communities and nationwide. The consequences of family violence -- death, severe physical injury, and psychological damage -- are noted as grounds for mounting a nationwide campaign against it. Witnesses involved in the operation of shelter programs for battered wives and their children testify to the shortage of funding for their work in the face of growing numbers of persons seeking help. Police executives indicate that domestic violence calls are a significant part of their work, receiving high priority because of the dangers posed to victims, particularly over a prolonged period of abuse. The witnesses are virtually unanimous in calling for Federal leadership, including Federal financial aid for services to victims. Some of the written material provided covers police policies and procedures for dealing with domestic violence cases, police training materials on domestic violence cases, State legislation on spouse abuse, and data pertinent to the family violence problem. For individual documents, see NCJ 93833-37.