NCJ Number
163862
Journal
State Government News Volume: 38 Issue: 8 Dated: (August 1995) Pages: 26-27
Date Published
1995
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The coordinated efforts of communities and court systems are a major reason that attitudes and behavior related to domestic assault are changing.
Abstract
Two other reasons are the growing consensus that domestic violence cannot be tolerated and the development of better practices for professionals and agencies in the criminal justice system. Judges have taken the lead in the creation of community coordinating councils because they can convene the community and ensure that all members of the justice system are present. The three steps used to create these councils are (1) to convene leaders from the justice system and community, including representatives of victim advocate organizations; (2) to establish an organizational structure with goals, regular meetings, committees, and specific projects; and (3) to learn about best practices from around the country and implement changes at the local and State levels. Councils need to be followed up with projects, energy, and commitment. The best organized councils have made encouraging process. To augment these efforts, legislatures should consider adopting some or all of the Model Code on Domestic and Family Violence developed by the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. Photographs and address from which to obtain information about State plans or the model code