NCJ Number
128070
Journal
Police Studies Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: (Summer 1990) Pages: 67-73
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study gathered information on the effectiveness of police referrals of family violence under the Texas Family Code.
Abstract
A survey of police department personnel revealed diverse attitudes on the effectiveness of existing Texas laws regarding protective orders -- issued family violence cases. Overall, it appears that neither the Texas Family Code nor temporary protective orders have served as a deterrent to family violence. Comments from police employees suggest that training for the judicial system or counseling services would be too costly or ineffective; providing counseling to victims or abusers was also thought to be too costly. Many police employees were frustrated because victims often return to abusive situations even after counseling. In addition, mandatory requirements for counseling was thought to produce negative attitudes that were counterproductive. 32 references (Author abstract modified)