NCJ Number
95245
Date Published
1984
Length
96 pages
Annotation
This report from the Task Force on Domestic Violence in Baltimore, Md., presents 18 recommendations for the criminal justice system, social services, community education programs, and legislation to improve and expand the city's response to battered women.
Abstract
Over its year of research and meetings, the task force developed the philosophy that domestic violence is not acceptable and that the cycle of violence in a relationship can be changed. It views batterers as men who have learned violent behavior and battered women as individuals who have learned that victimization is their lot in life. First, the report recommends that the work begun by the task force be continued by a smaller coordinating committee. Recommendations for criminal justice focus on the development of written police policies for handling domestic violence cases, creation of special domestic violence units in criminal justice agencies, mandated counseling for batterers as part of the disposition, and distribution of an information packet to all victims of domestic violence. Recommendations for direct service agencies address the need for policies on handling domestic violence cases, expanded counseling services, expanded shelter space and low-cost housing for victims, and publicizing community resources. The task force suggests that a domestic violence curriculum be developed and instituted in the city's public schools and that the community and clergy be made aware of the problem. Laws to support victims of spousal abuse and their families are recommended. The report lists task force members and provides background information on the causes and incidence of domestic violence. Articles on domestic violence and materials produced by the task force are appended.