NCJ Number
193265
Date Published
2001
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape reviews three decades in the fight against domestic violence.
Abstract
The video features interviews with four women, including several survivors of domestic abuse, active in the campaign to end domestic violence. The domestic violence advocacy movement began in the 1970's, when women began breaking the silence and attempting to counter some of the myths and misunderstandings about domestic violence. Traditionally, many people, including some law enforcement officers, considered this to be a family problem and the authorities should not interfere. In the mid-1970's, the advocacy movement concentrated on building shelters, safe havens where battered women and their children could take refuge. The 1980's emphasized accountability and the 1990's saw the beginnings of public awareness, which culminated in passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994. One incident that was pivotal in furthering women's advocacy efforts and in rallying the public to the movement was the O.J. Simpson case. A sheriff interviewed on this tape claims that the activities of the movement have caused him to change his view of domestic violence and what law enforcement should do about it.