NCJ Number
177259
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This videotape is intended to educate police personnel and community organizations regarding recent research about the dynamics of spouse abuse; ways in which individuals and community groups can prevent, recognize, and intervene in domestic violence; and crime prevention in general.
Abstract
The trainer is New York City Police Department instructor Lydia Martinez. The discussion emphasizes that domestic violence is a crime of power and control. Domestic violence starts with emotional abuse through words and can also include psychological abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and economic abuse. The abuser's behavior is learned and can be unlearned. Victims are never responsible for the abuser's behavior. Domestic violence starts off subtly and not with behaviors that are obviously criminal. Seventy percent of men who batter will go on to abuse their children. The three phases of the cycle of violence are the tension-building phase, the acute battering episode, and the honeymoon phase. Homicide or homicide-suicide is a particular danger at the time the abused spouse decides to leave; thus, the victim is in the best position to decide if and when leaving is appropriate. Police, the clergy, physicians, friends, and families can all have important roles in recognizing domestic violence and supporting victims. They should become aware of resources and should advocate for victim services, expand neighborhood watch to include domestic violence, and take other actions. Batterers' treatment groups can improve behavior, especially for those who complete the program. The videotape also includes comments by Bonnie Campbell, Director of the Department of Justice Violence Against Women Office, and the head of Radio Shack. Questions and answers about dating violence among adolescents, information resources, research needs, and other topics