Public Policy Process and Woman Battering: Problems and Potentials (From Woman Battering: Policy Responses, P 1-17, 1991, Michael Steinman, ed. -- See NCJ-129473)

• NCJ Number: 129474
• Author(s): M Steinman
• Date Published: 1991
• Length: 17 pages
• Sale Source: Anderson Publishing Co
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Analysis
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Efforts to develop public policies to respond to woman battering are similar to other policy efforts in the United States in that they rest on inadequate information, disagreements about specific goals and means, and competition to shape conclusions about the public interest.

Abstract

Throughout the country's history, Americans have wanted government to solve problems in a rational way. However, no rational policy process exists, complicating policy development relating to domestic assault which has only recently been defined by society and government as a public problem and a crime. Victims, offenders, and witnesses are coming into a variety of public and private agencies; each with different priorities, skills, and measures of success. The fragmentation of efforts have resulted in calls for coordination; an attractive goal that is difficult but not impossible to achieve. In addition, many current responses reflect policymakers' awareness of public concern about the problem and lack of certainty about what policies the public will accept. Although current policies sometimes promise more than government can deliver, stopping battering is an important goal, and well-considered efforts to achieve it equip us to accomplish even more. 71 references and list of topics covered in additional papers