NCJ Number
171276
Date Published
1996
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This overview of violence against women focuses on victim services in the context of the criminal justice processing of rape and battering cases.
Abstract
Research shows that in the processing of rape cases, corroboration requirements persist in a de facto manner; resistance standards continue to provide the basis for decision-making; and past sexual activity of the victim still influences the management of rape cases. Moreover, victim credibility remains an issue for courtroom participants and often accompanies beliefs about victim culpability. Policy recommendations regarding the processing of rape cases pertain to marital rape, victim anonymity, the accountability of criminal justice officials, victim compensation, victim advocacy, and outreach to minority victims. Other recommendations pertain to training for information providers, public awareness, cultural change, and research needs. Regarding women battering, research shows that arrest, per se, has not uniformly affected the behavior of batterers. Research supports the view that current police decision-making is guided more by speculation and stereotypes than by the wishes and needs of victims; yet it also suggests that the use of criminal law as a resource for women may minimize violence. Police decisions must be guided by the victim's assessment of danger. Policy recommendations regarding the processing of battering cases relate to victim assessment, victims' escape from violence, women's shelters, education against violence, family violence, and women in prison who have defended themselves against battering. 7 references