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CALIFORNIA - DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE - HANDBOOK ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

NCJ Number
54535
Author(s)
ANON
Date Published
1979
Length
75 pages
Annotation
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IS INTENDED TO ASSIST VICTIMS, FAMILIES, LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, AND OTHER PEOPLE WHO AID VICTIMS TO LEARN THE LEGAL PROTECTIONS, EMERGENCY AND LONG RANGE VICTIM SERVICES PROVIDED IN CALIFORNIA.
Abstract
THE EXTENT, CHARACTER, AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE DISCUSSED, AS IT INVOLVES WOMEN, MEN, CHILDREN, AND THE POLICE. IT IS NOTED THAT 25 PERCENT OF ALL MURDERS IN THE UNITED STATES OCCUR WITHIN THE FAMILY, AND 50 PERCENT OF THESE ARE HUSBAND-WIFE KILLINGS. A SIMPLIFIED OVERVIEW OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS, PROCEDURES, AND ALTERNATIVES AVAILABLE IN PROCESSING A DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE IS PROVIDED. LAWS APPLYING TO SPECIFIC ACTS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE IDENTIFIED AND DISCUSSED. POSSIBLE RESPONSES BY POLICE AND VICTIMS TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE CONSIDERED, AND PROSECUTORIAL AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURES ARE DESCRIBED. JUDICIAL DISPOSITIONAL ALTERNATIVES IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES ARE ALSO CONSIDERED. A SUMMARY IS PROVIDED OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS THAT RELATE TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. A DIRECTORY OF SERVICES FOR VICTIMS IS INCLUDED UNDER THE CATEGORIES OF EMERGENCY SERVICES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES AND INFORMATION. UNDER EMERGENCY SERVICES, TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE LISTED FOR WOMEN'S SHELTERS, CRISIS CENTERS, AND THE SHERIFF ON A COUNTY-BY-COUNTY BASIS. IN PROVIDING INFORMATION ON COMMUNITY SERVICES, FUNCTION DESCRIPTIONS AND PHONE NUMBERS ARE PROVIDED FOR SERVICES IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: SOCIAL SERVICES AND WELFARE ORGANIZATIONS, LEGAL ASSISTANCE, EMPLOYMENT, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE, CHILD CARE, IMMIGRANTS, EMERGENCY FOOD AND CLOTHING, ALCOHOL/DRUG ABUSE, MEDICAL SERVICES, AND HOUSING. IN ONE CHAPTER, SPECIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS AND OTHER RESOURCES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL ARE DISCUSSED. MATTERS CONSIDERED INCLUDE PROTECTING OFFICERS AGAINST INJURY, SPECIALIZED POLICE TRAINING IN CRISIS INTERVENTION, POLICE REFERRAL OF VICTIMS TO EMERGENCY SERVICES, AND VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. A DIRECTORY OF VICTIM-WITNESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS IN THE STATE FOR 1978 IS ALSO INCLUDED, ALONG WITH AN EXTENSIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF SELECTED READINGS IN THE AREAS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND INTERVENTION SERVICES. (RCB)