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Domestic Violence

A Guide to Selected Government Information Available at WIU's Government Publications Library

(Prepared by - Mel Karaffa 9/98; revised 1/00)

Web version of this guide includes links to web resources.

Federal Government Information

Know Your Rights: A Victim's Guide to the Domestic Violence Justice System

ThisDepartment of Justice publication discusses the legal means that a victim has to protect herself from the abuser. Also provides information on resources available. 1997
J 1.8/2:R44

The Criminalization of Domestic Violence: Promises and Limits

This 1997 report describes how the advancement of programs for domestic violence has provided mixed results. Even though some studies have positive results, many show that greater criminalization does not necessarily deter abusers and actually may increase violence.
J 28.24/3: D71

Domestic Violence, Stalking and Anti-Stalking Legislation

Although this report deals mostly with the development of stalking laws, it fits into the context of domestic violence because most stalking victims are harassed by intimates. The appendix provides anti-stalking laws, by state, and also a model for anti-stalking legislation. 1996
J 28.24/3: D71/2

Domestic Violence: A Workplace Issue

Domestic violence affects women in the workplace. This Department of Labor publication gives statistics and describes what employers can do to help victims, as well as examples of other corporation programs.
Facts on Working Women October 1996
L 36.114/3: 96-3

"DVERTing Domestic Violence: The Domestic Violence Enhanced Response Team."

A discussion of Colorado's attempt to use collaboration of law enforcement, the District Attorney's office, social services, victims' advocates, and the University of Colorado to help victims of domestic violence. 1998
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin. June 1998 pp. 22-26

Health Insurance and Domestic Violence

This hearing discusses the fact that insurance companies may deny coverage to victims of domestic violence by viewing it as a preexisting condition. Included testimony speaks out against this discrimination. 1995
Y4.L11/4: S.HRG. 104-199

Violence By Intimates: Analysis of Data on Crimes by Current or Former Spouses, Boyfriends, and Girlfriends

A summary of the statistical information gathered by the Bureau of Justice Statistics and the Federal Bureau of Investigation on violence between intimates. Data includes violence trends, responses to violence, and a profile of offenders. 1998
J 29.2:V81/5

Legal Interventions in Family Violence: Research Findings and Policy Implications

A summarization of research findings on family violence topics, including domestic violence. Batterer and victim characteristics are examined. Additionally, there is a section on civil protection orders, arrest, prosecution and defense, and court-ordered treatment for offenders. 1998
J 28.24/3:L 52

Victim's Rights

This special issue is devoted to victim-witness matters. Articles pertaining to domestic violence include topics such as expert testimony in prosecution and name changes.
United States Attorneys' USA Bulletin. Vol. 47, No. 1 January 1999
J 31.12:47/1

lllinois Government Information

Domestic Violence Services and Prevention Program--Annual Report

This publication defines the Illinois Domestic Violence Act, discusses programs and funding, gives demographical statistics on those served in Illinois, and lists the location and phone numbers of providers. 1996
ILLINOIS 362.83 DOME2 1996

S.T.O.P. Violence Against Women in Illinois

This publication discusses goals that have been met by the Illinois Violence Against Women Act Program and needs that have not been met, gives statistics, shows where programs are located, lists priorities, and mentions problems reported by service providers, as well as possible recommendations.
ILLINOIS 362.8292 I29s 1996

Domestic Abuse of Adults With Disabilities

This annual report to the Illinois General Assembly details the Domestic Abuse of Adults With Disabilities Program, its methodology and history and provides data on the cases investigated in fiscal year 1999.
ILLINOIS 362.4 ILLI a 1999

Legal Information

"Understanding Battered Woman Syndrome"

This article explains what battered woman syndrome is according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), how it is used in the court system as a defense, and the dynamics of domestic abuse.
Trial. Feb. 1995. Vol. 31, No. 2. pp. 30-37

"Factoring Domestic Violence into Custody Cases"

Recently, judges have begun factoring the violence of one parent against the other into custody cases. This article covers the issues of joint custody, visitation, abduction, and the actual trial.
Trial. Feb. 1996. Vol. 32, No. 2. pp. 32-39

"It's Just a Quarrel"

In seven states, domestic violence laws exclude cohabitating homosexual couples. Twentty-one other states have sodomy laws that might deter a victim from seeking help.
American Bar Association Journal. Feb. 1998. Vol. 84, No. 2. pp. 24-25

"Taking Abusers to Court"

This article discusses and defines claims that may be made against abusers, such as assault and battery, emotional distress and tortious infliction of a venereal disease. It also covers claims against a third party, gender bias claims, and claims after divorce.
Trial. June 1995. Vol. 31, No. 6. pp. 60-65

"Killing Her Softly: Intimate Abuse and the Violence of State Intervention"

This alternative approach to handling domestic violence cases favors a Survivor-Centered Model, rather than the customary mandatory intervention. The author argues that allowing the victim to help investigators enables the victim and fosters emotional healing, while mandated state intervention elicits the same negative feelings experienced within the relationship.
Harvard Law Review. Vol. 113, No. 2 December 1999 pp. 550-613

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