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REPORT ON BATTERED WOMEN AND CHILDREN CONFERENCE

NCJ Number
45478
Author(s)
R KNOX
Date Published
1977
Length
11 pages
Annotation
THE PROBLEMS CONSIDERED IN A 1977 NEW MEXICO CONFERENCE ON THE ABUSE OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN ARE DISCUSSED, ALONG WITH RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY PARTICIPANTS.
Abstract
THE CONFERENCE WAS HELD AT THE REQUEST OF TWO NAVAJO WOMEN; IT CONSISTED OF PRESENTATIONS BY EXPERTS ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND A PANEL OF LOCAL, STATE, FEDERAL, AND TRIBAL OFFICIALS. ITS MAIN OBJECTIVES WERE TO: (1) IDENTIFY SERVICES AND PROCEDURES ADDRESSING PROBLEMS RELATED TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE; (2) IDENTIFY THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL NEEDS OF VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE; AND (3) STIMULATE THE COORDINATION OF EXISTING RESOURCES, WHILE IDENTIFYING GAPS IN SERVICE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH CORRECTING AND PREVENTING CHILD AND WOMAN ABUSE ARE DISCUSSED, AND PATTERNS OF ABUSE INVOLVING SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF THE FAMILY, EDUCATION, PROFESSION, AND OTHER FACTORS ARE DISCRIBED. DIFFICULITES WHICH HAVE BEEN ENCOUNTERED IN SEEKING LEGAL SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM INCLUDE: (1) THE LEGAL REQUIREMENT TO PROVE INTENTIONAL BATTERING OF A CHILD; (2) A HIGH RATE OF CHARGES BEING DROPPED BY VICTIMS OF WOMAN ABUSE; (3) THE LOSS OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT OF THE FAMILY IF A WAGE-EARNING BATTERING SPOUSE IS JAILED; AND (4) RELUCTANCE OF MANY WOMEN TO PRESS CHARGES AGAINST THEIR HUSBAND. SEVERAL KEY PROBLEM AREAS IN WHICH SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IS NECESSARY ARE IDENTIFIED AND DISCUSSED: RESEARCH, SOCIAL POLICY, EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. RECOMMENDATIONS RESULTING FROM CONFERENCE DISCUSSIONS INCLUDE: ADDITIONAL RESEARCH; DEVELOPMENT OF MENTAL SERVICE NETWORKS; INCREASED PUBLIC EDUCATION; ESTABSLISHMENT OF A 24-HOUR CRISIS INTERVENTION SHELTER CARE SERVICE; CLOSER COORDINATION BETWEEN CONCERNED AGENCIES; REVISION AND EXPANSION OF PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION; AND INCLUSION IN TRIBAL CODES OF PROVISIONS OUTLINING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN. (VA)