NCJ Number
57940
Date Published
1978
Length
10 pages
Annotation
A SERIES OF SIX RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE FOR THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS TO PROGRAMS AIDING BATTERED WOMEN. THE USE OF GRASSROOTS EXPERIENCE AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF LOCAL PROJECTS WILL PROVE MOST COST-EFFECTIVE.
Abstract
THOSE WHO ALLOCATE FEDERAL FUNDS OFTEN COMMISSION THEIR OWN RESEARCH EFFORTS AND SEND OUT EXPERTS FROM WASHINGTON TO SET UP PROGRAMS AND OFFER TECHNICAL AID. IN THE FIELD OF SPOUSE ABUSE (WHICH IN 96 PERCENT OF CASES MEANS WIFE ABUSE) THE REAL EXPERTS ARE THE WOMEN WHO HAVE PIONEERED SHELTERS IN THEIR OWN COMMUNITY. THEIR RESEARCH AND KNOWLEDGE SHOULD BE USED. RATHER THAN SET-UP DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SHOULD GIVE GRANTS TO ONGOING PROJECTS AND ENCOURAGE APPLICATIONS FROM LOCAL GROUPS WHO WISH TO ESTABLISH SERVICES IN AREAS NOT YET COVERED BY A VIABLE PROGRAM. THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD HIRE WOMEN FROM SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS TO GIVE TECHNICAL AID TO NEW SHELTERS AND EXISTING GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS ALSO SHOULD PROVIDE AID TO BATTERED WIVES. SEVERAL HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS COULD PROVIDE REMODELING FUNDS TO SHELTERS AND COULD MAKE RENT SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE TO THE BATTERED WOMAN WHO IS LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO LIVE. MORE COORDINATION IS NEEDED AMONG AGENCIES DEALING WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG TREATMENT AND AGENCIES DEALING WITH BATTERED SPOUSES. DRUG OR ALCOHOL TREATMENT OFTEN LEADS TO STRESS WHICH RESULTS IN BATTERING, BUT BATTERING ALSO MAY BE RELATED TO ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE. FINALLY, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE'S OFFICE OF HUMAN SERVICES DEVELOPMENT HANDLE PROGRAMS FOR BATTERED SPOUSES. REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. FOR RELATED ARTICLES, SEE NCJ 57922-57939 AND NCJ 57941. (GLR)