Consensus and Contradictions in Understanding Domestic Violence: Implications for Policy and Model Programs (From Violence in Homes and Communities: Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment, P 245-267, 1999, Thomas P. Gullotta and Sandra J. McElhaney, eds. -- See NCJ-182594)

• NCJ Number: 182600
• Author(s): Pamela Jenkins; Barbara Davidson
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 23 pages
• Sale Source: Sage Publications, Inc
• Publication Format: Book (Softbound)
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter examines some of the more commonly held assumptions about domestic violence and their impact on what has been considered “best practice” policies and programs.

Abstract

The chapter discusses model programs that embrace, to some degree, some of the following assumptions about domestic violence: (1) Everyone defines the problem of domestic violence in the same way; (2) The solution for women who are victims of domestic violence is to leave the situation; (3) Any woman who is battered can go to a shelter; (4) If the criminal justice system would do its job properly, women would be safe; and (5) Medical, mental health and social services personnel routinely recognize the signs of abuse and identify battered women who seek their services. The chapter discusses how these assumptions have been used, for better or worse, to develop certain solutions. Data for the chapter were derived from a variety of qualitative strategies including interviews with battered women, law enforcement and shelter workers; focus groups with law enforcement, homeless advocates and battered women’s advocates; and field notes from participation observation at law enforcement training and domestic violence coordinating councils. References