NCJ Number
57934
Date Published
1978
Length
17 pages
Annotation
SURVEYS CONDUCTED AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY, IN THE TOWN OF BLOOMINGTON, IND., ITSELF, AND IN INDIANAPOLIS ALL SHOW A GREAT NEED FOR A SHELTER FOR BATTERED WOMEN IN MONROE COUNTY. EARLY EFFORTS HAVE FAILED DUE TO LACK OF MONEY.
Abstract
THIS RESEARCH FOUND THAT STUDENTS AND WIVES OF STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITY NEED CRISIS INTERVENTION AND SHELTER JUST AS MUCH AS WOMEN IN THE GENERAL POPULATION. AT ONE POINT A WOMEN'S CENTER EXISTED IN BLOOMINGTON, BUT IT CLOSED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT FUNDS AND INADEQUATE STAFF. THE HOSPITAL TRIES TO REFER BATTERED WOMEN TO APPROPRIATE SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES BUT MANY DO NOT KEEP THEIR APPOINTMENTS. THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE IN INDIANAPOLIS HAS PROBLEMS PROSECUTING BATTERING HUSBANDS BECAUSE THE WIVES OFTEN DROP CHARGES. THE OFFICE CURRENTLY TELLS WOMEN WHO COME IN TO FILE FOR DIVORCE FIRST. THIS TELLS THE STAFF THAT SHE IS SERIOUS AND IT ALSO MAKES IT EASIER TO SECURE PEACE BONDS AND OTHER LEGAL PROTECTION. MONROE COUNTY ALSO HAS FOUND THAT THE MOST VIOLENT ASSAULTS, INCLUDING HOMICIDES, USUSALLY INVOLVE EX-SPOUSES, EX-GIRLFRIENDS, AND EX-BOYFRIENDS. THESE INCIDENTS, OFTEN GROW OUT OF LONG-STANDING DISPUTES ABOUT CHILD CUSTODY OR MONEY. A FACT SHEET PREPARED BY THE BLOOMINGTON ORGANIZATION FOR ABUSED WOMEN, THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA OF THE MONROE COUNTY LEGAL SERVICES BUREAU, AND A DESCRIPTION OF A PILOT SHELTER OPERATED BY THE YOUNG WOMEN'S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION IN FT. WAYNE, IND., ARE INCLUDED. FOR RELATED ARTICLES, SEE NCJ 57922-57933 AND 57935-57941.