Policing Violence Against Women (From National Conference on Domestic Violence, Volume 2, 11-15 November 1985, P 403-433, 1986, Suzanne E Hatty, ed. -- See NCJ-106606)

• NCJ Number: 106607
• Author(s): S Hatty; J Sutton
• Date Published: 1986
• Length: 29 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: Australia

Annotation

As part of a larger project on the criminal justice system response to female victims of domestic violence, interviews were conducted with 173 Australian police personnel.

Abstract

The majority of officers felt that the Crimes (Domestic Violence) Amendment Act of 1983 was effective or very effective, particularly with respect to powers of entry, increased police powers, and compellability of witness. Although a majority saw specialized training as relevant, 40 percent felt it was not effective. Suggested improvements to training included greater coverage of domestic violence and psychological aspects of conflict and a more didactic approach to presentation of the law on intervention. Many officers also expressed discomfort with crisis intervention in noncriminal activities, and some recommended implementation of specialist domestic violence squads. Most officers viewed intervention in domestic disputes a part of the job, but cited difficulties relating to officer safety and insufficient resources. While a majority of officers made referrals, the majority of referrals were within the justice system. Excerpts from interviews are included. 13 tables and 58 references.