NCJ Number
98424
Date Published
1985
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This chapter analyzes the effectiveness of the police in aiding women who have been assaulted in their homes, through observations of the Staffordshire Police Force in Great Britain.
Abstract
The discrepancy between what the law states and what is practiced, with regard to domestic violence, is discussed. It is noted that although the legal system has given the police wide authority to protect women from violence in the home, the private nature of home disputes is cited by police for a noninterventionist course. The rates of husband arrest are noted, as well as the general ineffectiveness of the police in enforcing the terms of injunctions. The police role in filing complaints is described -- often police measured their own need to intervene, as well as the seriousness of the incident, by the woman's willingness to take legal action. The dividing line between what the police perceive as a private or a public matter is seen as key to domestic law enforcement. Four proposals for change center on arrest, referral, training, and the improvement of information systems. For example, it is suggested that arrest take place whenever assault occurs, reducing discretionary decisionmaking on the part of police and victim. After which, it is proposed that the victim be referred to a specialist agency. Thirdly, more police training is suggested that better relates to the needs of battered women and less to the restoration of public order. Finally, information system improvement is proposed so that police are more knowledgeable about specific domestic cases before intervening.