NCJ Number
153457
Journal
Executive Exchange Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 1-2
Date Published
1994
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The registry of civil restraining orders created in Massachusetts is described and recommended by the State's Commissioner of Probation as an important mechanism for improving the response of the criminal justice system to domestic assault.
Abstract
The registry was established in response to recognition that the lack of knowledge of the existence restraining orders generally prohibited effective police action, while victims lacked credibility in court due to the absence of offender background information to support the victim's claim of a history of abuse. During 1992, a collaborative effort by probation, victim advocacy groups, all branches of State government, State and local police agencies, and county prosecutor's offices resulted in many changes to the justice delivery system. The registry, a computerized database of all domestic violence restraining orders issued in Massachusetts, was one of the major changes. This registry is designed to provide police and courts with accurate and reliable information necessary to respond appropriately to victim needs. The registry includes all the orders issued by the courts and is linked to the criminal and juvenile offender databases. This database has enabled Massachusetts probation to carry out ongoing research of the problem of domestic assault.