Aftermath of Seeking Domestic Violence Protective Orders: The Victim's Perspective

Abstract

This study followed 137 victims of domestic violence who sought assistance with filing protective orders from a legal aid clinic in southern California. All of those returning the one-month questionnaire obtained temporary restraining orders but only 42% obtained permanent orders; even lower rates were indicated on the four-month questionnaires. Physical abuse continued after seeking the temporary order for one in eight respondents; no one indicated that the abuse escalated after the temporary order was sought. Leaving the abuser was rated as the most effective method used to stop the violence except for filing for a protective order. Other strategies receiving positive ratings included, in descending order, the victim going to counseling regarding domestic violence, asking family for help, filing for divorce, having the defendant arrested and asking friends for help. Unfortunately, all of these items also appeared, albeit less frequently, on the list of things other respondents indicated made the situation worse. Asking religious practitioners for help was rated as effective by 15 % of respondents and no one indicated that it increased the violence.

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