Services for Battered Women: The Public Policy Response

Abstract

The public policy response to wife abuse is examined through an analysis of federal legislation and a case study of one state's approach to the problem. Federal policy has been framed by a generic view of family violence, resulting in an emphasis on enhanced family functioning and the use of the criminal justice system to punish and protect family members engaged in abusive violence. In contrast, New York State has recently returned to a policy perspective that recognizes the unique features of wife abuse. This has led to the development of social services responsive to the special needs of battered women. Although battered women require legal protection, a well-coordinated social service response that enables women to become self-sufficient and independent is at least equally important.