NCJ Number
183323
Journal
Domestic Violence and Children Volume: 9 Issue: 3 Dated: Winter 1999 Pages: 97-110
Date Published
1999
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This discussion of community-based services related to domestic assault concludes that although significant growth has occurred in services for children exposed to domestic violence, substantial segments of the target population still are not reached and additional services are needed to address the needs of these children.
Abstract
More than 2,000 organizations now provide services. These include crisis-oriented services such as telephone hotlines and temporary shelters. Many agencies also provide legal, health, mental health, or vocational services or referrals, as well as assistance in finding housing, relocating, and planning for safety. Most recently, service providers have developed programs to address the mental health, health, educational, and safety needs of children exposed to domestic violence. Challenges in providing further services include inadequate funding, needs for specialized staffing, and a dearth of data on the effectiveness of current intervention programs. Promising new directions in service delivery include expanded community outreach efforts; attempts to educate the public and professionals about domestic violence and children; and the development of collaborative relationships with other agencies such as child protective services, law enforcement, schools, and health care facilities. These and related developments suggest cautious optimism that progress in serving these children will continue. Photographs and 67 reference notes (Author abstract modified)