NCJ Number
131838
Journal
Mediation Quarterly Volume: 8 Issue: 1 Dated: (Fall 1990) Pages: 39-50
Date Published
1990
Length
12 pages
Annotation
A community mediation service was designed and implemented as part of a collaborative effort of many agencies and individuals working on an effective criminal justice response to domestic violence in Tucson, Arizona.
Abstract
As part of the Domestic Violence Task Force, a Criminal Justice System Intervention Committee was set up to work with prosecutors, the judiciary, and law enforcement to establish a more effective system of handling people arrested for domestic violence by means of a diversion program, appropriate treatment and intervention programs, and the Community Mediation program (CMP). In the diversion program, domestic violence defendants are required to attend a 10-hour psychoeducational group focusing on anger and violence control and to complete an assessment process. Assessment can lead to further treatment or intervention, and if warranted, to mediation services. These are usually tailored for the abused and abusive individuals who can use the process as a helpful tool to confront dysfunctional habits and to make commitments for needed changes. A discussion is presented of six reasons why mediation can be an effective strategy in a community's response to domestic violence. In designing an effective mediation service, specialized training, separate assessment, utilization of male/female mediator teams, and caucus sessions are cited as particularly important components. Guidelines are also presented in areas of safety, personal and relationship history, substance abuse issues, and action planning for the design and implementation of a community mediation service for domestic violence prevention. 2 references (Author abstract modified)