NCJ Number
138571
Journal
Washington University Law Quarterly Volume: 69 Issue: 1 Dated: (1991) Pages: 107-158
Date Published
1991
Length
52 pages
Annotation
National, State, and local organizations have worked to publicize and deal with the problem of domestic violence in recent years. The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act was passed by Congress in 1984; every State has legislation in place that establishes crisis shelters, protective orders, police training, arrest requirements, charging guidelines, and treatment programs.
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, the women's and victims' movements have been instrumental in bringing this once dormant issue to the forefront of public attention. As a result, organizations on all levels have proliferated and worked to distribute information, lobby for legislation, institute litigation, form new organizations, and provide victim assistance services. The legislative changes in California are described as one example of the shift in domestic violence from low visibility to high visibility. The emphasis today is on fuller enforcement of the law regarding domestic violence. Arrests and written reports by police have increased dramatically. However, this author notes that these efforts have not reduced the incidence of domestic violence and urges the creation of a multidimensional solution to this complex problem. 194 notes