NCJ Number
129479
Date Published
1991
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This analysis of services for abused women focuses on the problems for which battered women need counseling and shelter services, the types of intervention currently available, empirical data concerning their effectiveness, and the interactions of these services with criminal justice agencies.
Abstract
Both victim needs and the interventions are related to three areas: (1) crisis issues such as physical danger, suicide, and homicide; (2) transition issues involving decisionmaking about relationships, living arrangements, and divorce; and (3) recovery from the psychological impacts of abuse. Intervention strategies include emotional support and validation, social support, education, and therapy. Services include emergency hotlines, shelters, support groups, specialized community treatment programs, and other services. The literature on program effectiveness is minimal and uses three criteria: (1) the decision to leave or the actual leaving of the abusive relationship, (2) the recurrence of violence, and (3) self-reported ratings of effectiveness. Criminal justice agencies are becoming increasingly involved in the issues, and interagency networks and coordination are essential to protect battered women and help them recover. Confidentiality, service agency contacts with a batterer, and the use of volunteers are among ethical issues that need to be addressed. 32 references