they have no where to turn (Eshleman, 1991). However, there has been and continues to be programs designed to meet the needs of battered women. The first step in the process of assisting women involved in situations of domestic violence is often legal. Commonly, the husband or boyfriend is arrested. Many studies (e.g. Bouza, 1990; Sherman & Cohn, 1989) have found that men arrested for family violence are less likely to continue to abuse their families.
Also, at the legal level, wives/girlfriends can go to court and get a restraining order against the male making it illegal for him to be around her. However, Humphreys and Humphreys (1985) report that many states still do not have effective laws against family violence, laws such as those stipulating mandatory arrest of wife abusers.
The authors recommend increased efforts by advocacy groups and other agencies aimed not only at enacting such legislation but also at developing legislation for related behaviors such as stalking. Stiffer penalties and mandatory, court-ordered treatment is another legal avenue that should be perused.
At the community level, many cities have set up shelters as places where abused women can seek refuge and counseling. However, there are a number of additional ways in which communities can effectively respond to domestic violence against women. The community response is important because research indicates that strong community sanctions against violence in the home are effective in keeping abuse levels low (Levinson, 1989).
Counts, Brown and Campbell (1991) discuss several methods (other than shelters) which communities can use to combat domestic violence. These methods include:
(1) Making sure that elected officials and local media are clear that nonviolence is a priority in their area.
(2) Neighbors keeping an eye out and working together to address problems in other families.
(3) Working with advocate groups to make sure that ...