NCJ Number
80034
Journal
Journal of Family Law Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: (1981-1982) Pages: 1-42
Date Published
1981
Length
42 pages
Annotation
This article argues that a coherent, effective policy for State intervention in cases of family violence requires both a stronger commitment to and better coordination of aid to all victims of family violence.
Abstract
A review of past programs intended to address aspects of family violence shows that, until recently, almost all legislative efforts in the United States, at both the State and Federal levels, have focused on discrete groups of victims -- abused children, battered wives, or mistreated elders -- rather than on victims of family violence as a whole. This legislation has tended to show ambivalence toward various categories of victims of family violence. While abused children have clearly gained the sympathy of legislators, services for abused spouses and adolescent victims have been sparse. The funding provided to support mandated services has generally fallen far short of that needed. What is needed for the future is the development and implementation of a policy that involves a coherent approach to the entire problem of family violence. A comprehensive approach coordinating all State programs for the different victims of family violence would have several advantages. For example, earlier identification of and response to abuse would be facilitated, since workers would be trained to identify and help all victims of family violence. Also, the limited resources available could be used more effectively. A total of 123 footnotes are listed.