NCJ Number
88001
Date Published
1980
Length
95 pages
Annotation
Florida's program to use funds from marriage license fees to fund programs to serve abused spouses represents a creative way to combat a difficult and hidden social problem.
Abstract
Data from client forms and interviews with directors of 15 spouse abuse centers located throughout Florida formed the basis of the evaluation of the program, which was established in 1979. In fiscal year 1979-80, the program generated over $440,000, which was allocated to the districts to help the spouse abuse centers. The minimum mandated services include information and referral; counseling; temporary emergency shelter for more than 24 hours; community education programs; prevention of abuse; and the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of perpetrators or victims. Shelter directors said that the program's most effective aspects were the counseling services, the shelters themselves, and community support. However, the current level of funding prevents expansion of the programs. During the study year, 4,544 clients, including children, were served. The average client is a 30-year-old white female who is probably not employed, is eligible for Title XX program benefits, and enters the shelter for the first time after repeated beatings. She generally succeeds in meeting her treatment goals as she defines them and chooses to live with relatives or independently after leaving the shelter. Alcohol is often a contributing factor to abuse incidents. The three main causes of abuse are finances, the abuser's jealousy, and the victim's behavior and attitude. The program needs increased funding; added program components for abusers and children; improved data collection and followup procedures; and a study of the incidence of spouse abuse in Florida. The program should be moved from the Office of Aging and Adult Services to the Office of Children, Youth, and Families. Data tables, appendixes presenting forms, and a bibliography listing 18 references are provided.