Victim-Defendants in Mandated Treatment: An Ethical Quandary

SUMMARY

Battered women are being arrested and convicted of domestic violence-related crimes in higher numbers than ever before. In addition, battered women are being sentenced to treatment as primary perpetrators even though their aggression was in response to the violence perpetrated against them. Many service providers are presently ill-equipped to offer treatment and/or other services that will effectively serve these women in a manner that will truly reduce violence and is not re-victimizing. This article will present key issues surrounding the problem, and provide suggestions for effective advocacy and intervention approaches.

KEYWORDS:

• Battered women's use of violence
• arrest of victims
• intimate partner violence
• advocacy
• treatment of arrested women