NCJ Number
101775
Date Published
1984
Length
129 pages
Annotation
On the basis of analysis and research begun in 1984, this report presents recommendations for improving the effectiveness of New Jersey's Prevention of Domestic Violence Act. These cover law enforcement and criminal justice procedures, reporting, and professional training and public education.
Abstract
It is recommended that police departments develop standard operating procedures (SOP's) for handling domestic disturbance and provide guidelines for arrest (including warrantless arrest). Victim services should be provided and should include crisis intervention, legal advocacy assistance, and counseling programs. Court issues concerning venue and the issuance of restraining and domestic violence orders should be resolved, and the Act should be expanded to cover nonrelated same-sex cohabitants. It also is suggested that police officers file both investigation and domestic violence report forms and that training in the use of these reports be provided. Finally, entry-level and inservice training should be provided to police and court personnel, and information on domestic violence should be incorporated into the family life education curriculum for grades 4 through 12. Appendixes include sample SOP's, a listing of victim services available by county, a prosecutorial policy statement, an affiliation agreement between the family part of the superior court and the Alternatives to Domestic Violence social service program, a police training curriculum on domestic disputes, and a listing of resources available to battered women.