Discussion 4 Questions:
Use the following to answer questions:
https://ndaa.org/wp-content/uploads/NDAA-DV-White-Paper-FINAL-revised-July-17-2017-1.pdf
1. What is your opinion about victim witness programs that are run out of the prosecutor’s office? Explain.
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o Do you think they benefit the victim or serve the purpose of managing victims so they are more willing to testify and cooperate with prosecution?
2. List four things you learned (or you consider key points) from four of the designated resources for this discussion. Each one must be from a different resource, headed with the title of each source and include an explanation on why each one is important.
3. Diversion is commonly used for first time domestic violence offenders. It is usually set forth in a plea bargain, giving the abuser the opportunity to have the charges dismissed if he/she completes an abuser treatment program. (Keep in mind that diversion and treatment are two different things.)
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o What is your opinion about the use of diversion in D.V. cases?
o Does domestic violence abuser treatment work?
4. The Ted Talks video, “To Stop Domestic Violence, Everyone Needs to Unite” describes a collaborative approach.
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o What does “everyone needs to unite” mean?
o List at least two ways it can be accomplished and explain why each one will work.
o List two things you would recommend that would enhance a more collaborate relationship between prosecutors and police in domestic violence cases. Explain why each one would work.
5. When a domestic violence victim refuses to cooperate in prosecution and the court process, including failing to report to court when subpoenaed, should they be arrested and charged for violating a court order?
6. Victim autonomy, laws and holding the abuser accountable is a difficult balancing act for the criminal justice system. What is your suggestion or recommendation for handling these THREE issues? NOTE: Focus on the word “balance” when considering your answer. All areas must be addressed in your response.
7. Current Events: I never thought I would ask this question but the Coronavirus pandemic has created new issues and perspectives we couldn’t have imagined. Triggered by an article I read in the New York Times dated March 28, 2020 titled, “Lockdown Holds Dangers to Vulnerable Women,” I present the following questions:
• Considering the situation of social isolation, describe what implications this can had on victims of domestic violence. Note at least two.
• How does a pandemic impact on the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence?
