NCJ Number
81995
Date Published
1980
Length
48 pages
Annotation
This study focuses on domestic violence on Prince Edward Island, Canada; the work identifies the size of the problem, current response by law enforcement officials, and suggestions for future action.
Abstract
Between January 1, 1978, and June 30, 1979, the local police department completed 42 occurrence reports on domestic disputes/assaults. Thirty-nine of the victims were female, three were male, 18 of the reported assailants were the victim's husband, 19 assailants were the victim's boyfriend, and 38 of the disputes involved physical violence. The victim's average age was 24.9 years. Between 10 percent and 25 percent of the women who bring charges later withdraw them. Although the police department states that approximately 50 percent of their calls could be classified as domestic disputes, they have no departmental policy regarding this type of case. Only two municipal police officers on the island have special training in domestic dispute intervention. Responses to questionnaires sent to island physicians, hospitals, clergymen, attorneys, and social agencies indicate that wife battering is not just a problem of the poor; it is simply more visible in the lower classes. Generally, victims have little education and may be dependent upon the husband or upon social assistance. Battered women hide their abuse because they are ashamed of the situation and fear reprisal from the violent spouse. Future efforts on Prince Edward Island should focus on appropriate police training, public education, establishment of counseling and legal advice services, and making the law more effective through policy and criminal code revision. Two study forms are appended.