NCJ Number
51840
Date Published
1978
Length
0 pages
Annotation
THREE VICTIMS OF WIFE ABUSE DISCUSS PATTERNS OF VIOLENCE IN THEIR HOMES, THEIR REACTIONS TO THE BEATINGS, REASONS FOR REMAINING IN THE HOME AFTER ABUSE, AND THEIR EVENTUAL DECISIONS TO LEAVE THEIR HUSBANDS AND THE IMPLICATIONS OF LEAVING.
Abstract
INTERVIEWS WITH CONCERNED PROFESSIONALS CONSIDER SOCIETY'S ACCEPTANCE OF WIFE ABUSE, THE CAUSES OF VIOLENCE IN THE HUSBAND, THE CHARACTERISTICS OF BEATEN WIVES, AND THE INFLUENCE OF THE PATRIARCHICAL SOCIETY ON FAMILY VIOLENCE. IT IS STATED THAT POLICE ARE OFTEN RELUCTANT TO GET INVOLVED IN WIFE-ABUSE INCIDENTS BECAUSE OF THE HIGH RISK OF INJURY IN ANSWERING DOMESTIC DISPUTE CALLS, THE LACK OF TRAINING TO DEAL WITH THIS KIND OF SITUATION, AND POLICE RELUCTANCE TO ARREST MEN THAT ARE OLDER AND MORE SOCIALLY PROMINENT THAN THEMSELVES. AFTER AN ARREST WARRANT IS ISSUED, THE WIFE OFTEN REFUSES TO LET HER HUSBAND BE ARRESTED. SERVICES FOR BATTERED WIVES ARE DISCUSSED; E.G., SHELTER CRISIS COUNSELING, CHILD CARE, AND LEGAL COUNSELING. AFTER THE WIVES LEAVE HOME, A DIVORCE PROCEEDING USUALLY FOLLOWS. EMOTIONAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DIFFICULTIES IN THE DIVORCE ARE DISCUSSED ALONG WITH IMPLICATIONS FOR CHILD SUPPORT AND CHILD CUSTODY. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT MORE SERVICES FOR ABUSED WIVES BE MADE AVAILABLE, PARTICULARLY THROUGH FEDERAL FUNDS. (DAG)