NCJ Number
94499
Date Published
1983
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This chart of State domestic violence laws, intended for persons drafting new domestic violence legislation, focuses on recent legislation aimed at reducing or preventing spouse abuse; although some sections of the chart are quite detailed, the statutes themselves must be consulted to determine relief available in individual cases.
Abstract
Areas covered include protection order laws, injunctions, criminal law, civil and criminal relief, police intervention, data collection, and funding; actual State statutes are cited. In most cases, the chart indicates whether a statute includes language similar to that listed. State procedures that are not listed in the domestic violence law, but appear elsewhere in the State code are also indicated. Significant provisions which appear in only one or two statues are listed in footnotes; each provision in a line citation appears in the statutes of three or more States. While legislation dealing only with physical or sexual abuse of children or elders is not covered, much of the legislation on spouse abuse may apply to child or elder abuse prevention. When drafting legislation and seeking legislative support, advocates for battered women should consult with shelters and other advocacy groups as well as the State legislative counsel's office and an expert on constitutional law.