NCJ Number
45700
Date Published
1977
Length
6 pages
Annotation
IN RESPONSE TO A 1976 STUDY OF BATTERED WOMEN IN INGHAM COUNTY, MICHIGAN, INDICATING HIGH INCIDENCE RATES, THE PROSECUTING ATTORNEY'S OFFICE FORMULATED AND IMPLEMENTED A DOMESTIC ABUSE PROGRAM.
Abstract
THE PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAM IS TO OFFER THE VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ALTERNATIVES TO PROSECUTION. A THREEFOLD APPROACH IS BEING USED WHICH INVOLVES DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPREHENSIVE AND COORDINATED SYSTEM OF COMMUNITY REFERRALS FOR FAMILIES WITH ABUSE PROBLEMS, AND IDENTIFYING AND FILLING SERVICE GAPS; COMMUNITY EDUCATION AND FACILITATION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT THROUGH THE MEDIA AND THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF INSERVICE TRAINING, COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, AND LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY; AND IMPLEMENTATION OF SOME FORM OF DIVERSIONARY PROGRAM. THE DOMESTIC ABUSE COORDINATOR SERVES AS A REFERRAL RESOURCE FOR CASES IDENTIFIED BY THE POLICE, COMMUNITY AGENCIES, OR THE FAMILY MEMBER. DURING THE PROGRAM'S FIRST 3 AND 1/2 MONTHS, 94 DIFFERENT VICTIMS WERE IN CONTACT WITH THE COORDINATOR. COMMUNITY AGENCIES, VICTIMS, AND OTHER INTERESTED INDIVIDUALS ARE CONTACTING THE COORDINATOR FOR INFORMATION IN PROGRESSIVELY GREATER NUMBERS. SPECIFIC COMMUNITY EFFORTS HAVE INCLUDED ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT WITH THE COUNCIL FOR THE PREVENTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, INC., ESTABLISHMENT OF A 50-MEMBER TASK FORCE, PARTICIPATION IN HEARINGS AND THE PREPARATION OF LEGISLATION, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SHELTER AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR VICTIMS. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MAY INCLUDE ALCOHOLISM AND THE INDIFFERENCE, HOSTILITY, OR UNCOMMUNICATIVENESS OF THE ABUSER. POSSIBILITIES FOR DIVERTING ASSAULT CASES AND FOR ESTABLISHING APPROPRIATE COUNSELING PROGRAMS ARE BEING RESEARCHED. A CASE FLOW PLAN FOR THE DOMESTIC ABUSE PROGRAM IS INCLUDED. (JAP)