Describe changes in the treatment of victims of domestic violence by police, prosecutors, and judges

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

The police response has improved dramatically in the last few decades. Police were reluctant to do anything in domestic violence calls, often sympathizing with the offender. Today, many jurisdictions have police supervision the eviction of an abuser, inform the abused person of their rights, have special domestic violence prevention officers who help assist the abused person in getting a safety plan together. In addition, there is more awareness of violence between partners of the same sex as well as with couples that are not married.
Prosecutors often discouraged filing charges in domestic violence cases due to the perception the victim would not proceed with the case. Now prosecutors are more aware of the reasons why victims don't proceed—due to fear of retaliation, manipulation by the offender, and other forms of intimidation. Some jurisdictions have a no-drop approach where prosecutors can proceed without the victim, using 911 tapes, eyewitnesses, emergency room reports, and statements made by the abuser.
Judges also had a tendency to side with the abuser, as most judges are male. Currently, judges have many options available to them to protect victims of domestic violence. In addition, there are more avenues for a victim's voice to be heard in the process such as acceding to their wishes in terms of setting bail, to speed up cases by avoiding continuances, and issuing orders of protection.