NCJ Number
208189
Editor(s)
Lindsey Anderson,
Kelly Mitchell-Clark
Date Published
September 2002
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This report reviews lessons learned from a range of community-based family violence prevention programs around the country.
Abstract
While institutional responses and services for family violence are important, it is also vitally important to engage community members in the prevention of family violence. Community members are on the forefront of the fight against domestic violence; most victims first reach out to family, friends, or neighbors for help. This report looks at how community-based family violence prevention programs from around the country are operating within their communities. The majority of the report focuses on five key goals critical to the prevention of family violence: (1) raising awareness of family violence and changing norms; (2) connecting community residents to services; (3) changing social and community conditions; (4) building networks of leaders within the community; and (5) making services and institutions accountable to community needs. Within the discussion of each goal are examples of how specific programs are addressing the goal. The strengths and challenges involved in addressing the goals are also discussed. Recommendations are provided for working with communities in the prevention of family violence, including advice to close the gap between social service providers and the communities they serve and to help communities view family violence as a priority. Appendix, index