| Research has shown that restraining orders often fail to protect battered women. Our research project will explore other methods that are currently being used to protect battered women. In particular, we will focus on the use of technology to decrease the risk of future victimization for victims of domestic violence. Since this research is of an exploratory nature, a preliminary definition of technology will include panic alarms, cellular phones, home security devices, electronic monitoring of both the offender and the property surrounding the victim's home, and surveillance cameras. The research will provide an opportunity for subjects to identify other forms of technology not included in the definition that are currently in use. Data for this research will be collected through surveys of 500 randomly selected battered women shelters, community-based domestic violence programs, and safe homes from the national directory compiled by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Findings will be used to examine the following issues: 1) the level of cooperation between community programs and the criminal justice system to protect battered women; 2) the relationship between funding sources for community programs and access to security technology; and 3) the level of use of security technology to protect battered women. |
Updated 05/20/2006