NCJ Number
80415
Date Published
1981
Length
157 pages
Annotation
This paper reports on the evaluation of projects in the San Diego, Calif., region funded to address the problem of domestic violence.
Abstract
Goals of the projects were to provide an effective response for victims of spouse assault, rape, and child abuse by reducing victim traumatization and by increasing arrests and convictions of offenders. Since the problem of domestic violence requires intervention by many agencies, evaluation efforts examined the impact of these agencies as well as the funded projects. The evaluation report begins with data on the incidence, prevalence, and nature of domestic violence, summarizes the projects' impact, and then assesses the criminal justice system response. The quality of service delivery and effective organization structures are described, followed by a consideration of what attitudes are reflected by the community with regard to the problems of spouse and child abuse. The study finds that reported incidences of both spouse assault and child abuse have increased in the area; that the North County projects served over 1,000 victims of domestic violence during the 18-month study period; that actions taken by criminal justice personnel indicate an improved response to domestic violence disturbances; and that the key to effective intervention in domestic violence cases is the recognition of the need for liaison between criminal justice components and social service providers. Results of the telephone survey of 502 San Diego County citizens indicated that a third of the citizens perceive the issue of domestic violence to be a problem in their communities. Tables, charts, and 11 references are given. Appendices provide study instruments, additional tables, and excerpts from the California Penal Code.