Interventions

Violence in general has cooled its heels over the past several decades, but family violence remains a widespread problem. Societal and cultural norms have improved with modernity. Women and children, once considered property and slaves, are now considered people with rights. Those rights extend to their care and well-being.

There are a variety of ways that the state and local governments can and will intervene in a family violence case, thanks to the pressures that the feminist movement has applied. No one program or approach is 100% effective, however. Resources are commonly used together for a more effective and safer outcome for the victims.

Rapid Assessment

When police respond to a family violence incident, the victim is separated and asked specific questions to assess their risk of serious injury or death. These questions are part of the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP). If an officer determines that the victim is at high risk, the victim is informed of the danger, and the local 24-hour domestic violence hotline is contacted. The victim is then given the option to speak directly with an advocate to start a plan for their ongoing safety (National Institute of Justice, 2015).

Civil Protection Orders

Victims of physical abuse can obtain a civil protection order. These orders may warn the abuser of possible legal consequences and harsher penalties, or prohibit further contact with the victim.

While protection orders can help reduce risk to victims, they must be strictly enforced to be effective, especially in the first three months when the risk of retaliation from the abuser is greater. Victims can also be supported with additional safety measures (Benitez et al., 2010).

Domestic Violence Courts

Feminists worked with the court system to create specialized domestic violence courts that focus on helping victims of family violence rather than inflicting punishment. These courts use judges and victim advocates who have specialized training in domestic violence cases.