NCJ Number
153775
Journal
Trial Volume: 31 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1995) Pages: 38-40,42-43
Date Published
1995
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Interviewing domestic violence victims can test the skills of the most seasoned attorney; to obtain all the necessary information, the attorney should ask specific questions about the victim's experience in a supportive, nonthreatening way.
Abstract
Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between 15 and 44 years of age, and a key question is why abused women stay in violent relationships. In recent years, legislation and case law have begun to break down traditional barriers to domestic violence tort suits. Compensatory damages can pay for needed medical and mental health treatment and can also help compensate the victim for pain and suffering. Punitive damages can serve as a deterrent to batterers. Interviewing a domestic violence victim poses challenges even for an experienced attorney. Nonetheless, complete information is needed about dates, times, places, and circumstances of past threats of violence, violent acts, physical injuries, and emotional distress. The attorney should evaluate the type of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological, or economic), ask the victim about the effects of violence, advise the victim about the importance of evidence, and offer suggestions to ensure the victim's safety. 11 notes