NCJ Number
218166
Journal
Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 16 Issue: 3 Dated: 2005 Pages: 91-106
Date Published
2005
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study compared the perceptions of specialized domestic violence court processes versus general court processes among victims, courtroom police, judges, and victim advocates.
Abstract
Results indicated that despite the court’s specialization in domestic violence matters, victims perceived similar problems in both specialized and general courts. Findings further revealed that professionals working within the specialized domestic violence courts had no more domestic violence education and training than professionals from the general courts. Victims reported feeling unsafe in both court models, which contrasted with the positive perceptions of victims’ safety reported by judges and attorneys of the specialized courts. Likewise, attorney’s and judge’s perceptions of victim support countered victims’ perceptions and victims reported a significant need for increased guidance through the court system and its various processes. The findings suggest that more education and training about domestic violence is sorely needed for specialized court personnel at all levels. The study employed a multi-method approach that had two basic components: (1) focus groups of bailiffs and domestic violence victims; and (2) written surveys completed by judges, attorneys, and victim advocates. Participants were recruited from 14 domestic violence courts across 9 Florida counties. Transcripts of the focus group were coded using the constant comparative approach and were analyzed using content analysis. Survey results were statistically analyzed using SAS software. Statistical analyses included chi-square statistics to determine any statistical differences between domestic violence versus the general courts. Future research should focus on comparing the operational management, judicial caseloads, and community collaboration among specialized versus general courts. Tables, references