Management of domestic violence

The management of domestic violence deals with the treatment of victims of domestic violence and preventing repetitions of such violence. The response to domestic violence in Western countries is typically a combined effort between law enforcement, social services, and health care. The role of each has evolved as domestic violence has been brought more into public view.

Historically, domestic violence has been viewed as a private family matter that need not involve the government or criminal justice.^[1] Police officers were often reluctant to intervene by making an arrest, and often chose instead to simply counsel the couple and/or ask one of the parties to leave the residence for a period of time. The courts were reluctant to impose any significant sanctions on those convicted of domestic violence, largely because it was viewed as a misdemeanor offense.

The modern view in industrialized countries is that domestic violence should be viewed as a public matter and that all criminal authorities should be involved; once the violence is reported, it should be taken seriously. Further, support needs to be put in place to restore the victim's safety and respect, which often includes the efforts of the person who caused the harm.