NCJ Number
96232
Date Published
1984
Length
171 pages
Annotation
A study undertaken to monitor and assess the impacts of the Waterloo Region Victim Services Program (Ontario, Canada) found that the program had a demonstrable impact on the resolution or diversion of chronic domestic disputes.
Abstract
The study was based on data collected through five separate research components: case records for an 11-month period, interviews with served and unserved 'domestic' victims, police records of occurrences for matched samples of served and unserved 'domestic' victims, and applications to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board from before and after introduction of the program. The program, administered by the Waterloo Regional Police Force using police civilian personnel, has a staff complement of two and one-half positions and operates during daytime hours 5 days a week. The unit provides information about specific cases or about the system in general, advice, emotional support, and referral to appropriate community services; the caseload contains a high proportion (84 percent) of victims of domestic violence. Recidivist 'domestic' victims who were served by the program recorded fewer subsequent police occurrences relative to unserved matched comparisons and a shorter period to the apparent resolution of their disputes. Additionally, victim services intervention was found to affect the assessments of police by victims of domestic violence: served 'domestic' clients were more positive in evaluating the helpfulness of the police than were unserved comparison victims. Finally, the program was found to be appropriately structured to meet victims' needs in the days following their assaults. There were no apparent service gaps from the perspective of victim needs, and the program's performance was generally well regarded. Eight references and 30 tables are included. A victim monitoring form and interview schedule are appended. (Author abstract modified)