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LWVMA 

Where We Stand 

 

 

Content:

Introduction

 

Program in Brief

 

Government

 

Natural Resources

 

Social Policy

 

 

 

 

 

LWVMA 

WHERE WE STAND

Social Policy: Domestic Violence

 

Goal:
The prevention of domestic violence. A strong statewide response to domestic violence that is integrated, interdisciplinary, and adequately funded, involving all segments of the criminal justice system, the medical community, the schools, social services, and the private sector, with a primary focus on the safety of victims.

Police
The League supports:

    • measures to protect the civil and individual rights of the offender and to promote the offender's rehabilitation through individualized treatment (pre-1965)
    • ongoing training about domestic violence of all police
    • policies favoring the use of arrest as a preferred response to a domestic violence incident
    • carefully followed procedures for gathering and preserving evidence, so that cases can be prosecuted even if victims refuse to testify

Courts
The League supports:

  • ongoing training about domestic violence of all judges and court personnel
  • expedited court resolution of domestic violence cases
  • the timely sharing of relevant information among courts, as well as with other parties in the criminal justice system
  • consideration by the probate court of a history of domestic abuse when making divorce, child custody, and visitation decisions

District attorneys
The League supports:

  • statewide availability of well-trained and funded victim/witness advocates
  • training about domestic violence of district attorney staff
  • policies encouraging prosecution, even when victims are unwilling to testify

Probation
The League supports:

  • training about domestic violence of all probation officers
  • strict monitoring of compliance with probation
  • sanctions for probation violation

Medical community
The League supports:

  • training of medical personnel in recognizing signs of domestic violence and treating victims
  • clearly defined protocols for treating domestic violence victims
  • an educational role played by medical providers
  • provision of support services, such as social service referrals, support groups, and literature

Schools
The League supports:

  • educational programs and policies, beginning in the earliest grades, that focus on violence prevention, conflict resolution, and self-esteem building

Services for victims
The League supports:

  • coordinated and well-publicized services for victims and their families, including:
    • shelters
    • transitional and long-term affordable housing
    • counseling and support groups
    • interpreters
    • hotlines
    • job training
  • involvement of community groups and the clergy in speaking out against domestic violence, making referrals, and providing services
  • special attention systemwide paid to the needs of child victim/witnesses

Programs for batterers
The League supports:

  • evaluation of the effectiveness of existing programs
  • research into other treatment methods

    • Other
    The League supports:

    • public campaigns to raise awareness of domestic violence

    The League opposes:

    • glorification of violence in the media

     

     

     

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