NCJ Number
95238
Date Published
1983
Length
79 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the incidence of spouse abuse in Bexar County, Tex., and recommends procedures to support the victim throughout the legal process and facilitate more effective prosecution of spouse abuse cases.
Abstract
Preliminary statistical data show that spouse abuse is both prevalent and serious. Although reliable statistics on the disposition of family violence cases in Bexar County are generally unavailable, records in the district attorney's office indicate that formal charges for both felony and misdemeanor assaults are rarely filed in such cases. This lack of recordkeeping is paralleled by a lack of responsiveness to the victims of domestic violence. The report outlines the task force's organization and recommends new procedures for the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff's Department to use in recording instances of domestic violence. It also outlines new procedures needed in the prosecutor's office to demonstrate that battering is a law enforcement problem. These suggestions include placing victim advocates in the prosecutor's office and creating a special unit to handle domestic violence cases. Behavioral guidelines for domestic violence advocates address the initial call and interview, the filing decision, how to handle both female and male victims, and referrals. The report identifies three community groups that can assist victims of domestic violence and recommends measures to improve the use of community resources. Other recommendations address legislation, legal education programs, data collection, and funding for domestic violence initiatives. Photographs and other exhibits are included.