Abstract
Academics have considered the treatment of domestic violence in Canada inadequate (Bell, Perez, Goodman, & Dutton, 2011) and “…an indicator of society's inattentiveness to violence against women…” (Garner & Maxwell, 2009, p. 44). Van Wormer (2009) further notes that there is still “…widespread dissatisfaction by battered women … and their advocates with the current system…” (p. 107). While much of the literature focuses on early aspects of the criminal justice system (police action, decision to prosecute, for e.g.), few authors have sought to understand victims opinions about the trial process (Hare, 2010; Smith, 2001). This paper conducts a literature review to analyse the practical reality of how the trial process of Canadian criminal courts affects victims’ well-being in domestic violence trials. Finding overwhelming literature suggesting courts inadequacy when addressing domestic violence, policy implications are suggested to better serve victim needs.
Recommended Citation
Johnson, Jason. 2020. "Domestic Violence in Criminal Courts: The Larger Implications for Victims." Bridges: An Undergraduate Journal of Contemporary Connections 4, (1). https://scholars.wlu.ca/bridges_contemporary_connections/vol4/iss1/4
Included in
Courts Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons