Partners for Change: You and the Courts: A Guidebook for Victims of Domestic Violence

• NCJ Number: 113872
• Author(s): C B Head
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 30 pages
• Corporate Author: Montgomery Cty Government Health Dept
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Publication Type: Citizen Involvement Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Written for victims of domestic violence in Montgomery County (Md.), this manual explains the steps to take when abuse occurs and the ways to use the criminal and civil courts to deal with a problem.

Abstract

The guidelines emphasize the importance of taking action. A discussion of the first steps explains how to protect oneself, call the police, and leave the scene. Guidelines on using the criminal courts discuss how to file assault and battery charges, contact the prosecutor's office, monitor a case, use pretrial group screening, use court-ordered counseling, handle the trial, and understand sentencing alternatives. Advice on obtaining a civil order of protection explains its purposes and limitations, petitions, hearings, advantages, and possible problems. Counseling alternatives to legal resources are also discussed. A glossary of legal terms, telephone numbers in Montgomery County, and local maps.