NCJ Number
123778
Journal
Response to the Victimization of Women and Children Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (1989) Pages: 3-6
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article summarizes the findings and recommendations of studies conducted by the Maryland Special Joint Committee on Gender Bias in the Courts to assess the court's handling of domestic violence cases.
Abstract
During 1988, domestic violence resulted in the death of at least 19 women in Maryland. Over 4,500 petitions for emergency civil protection from domestic violence were filed in Maryland courts in fiscal year 1988-1989. The Committee found that the attitudes and lack of understanding of many judges and court employees about the nature of domestic violence are the most pervasive and difficult problems facing domestic violence victims. Too often, judges and court employees deny the victim's experiences, accuse the victim of lying about her injuries, treat the cases as trivial and unimportant, blame the victim for getting beaten, and badger the victim for not leaving the batterer. The Committee's investigation also disclosed problems in interpreting and applying laws and procedures related to domestic violence. It determined that emergency civil procedures are only partially successful in providing the victim with protection from further violence and that divorce and custody procedures lack sufficient emergency mechanisms to meet the needs of battered women. Recommendations to help battered women and minimize gender bias in the courts are detailed. 2 references.