Domestic violence history

The evolution of beliefs and services for those struggling with family violence.

1950s
Community belief: “A family problem”
Society and system response: “This is not a crime.”

1960s
Community belief: “It's a woman's problem.”
Society and system response: Consider women's safety, safe houses, underground networks
Cultural upheaval: The cultural revolution, the feminist movement

1970s
Domestic violence shelters created to safely house women and their children fleeing abusive partners
The movement highlighted women's safety as paramount concern
Development of the Cycle of Violence

1980s
Legal advocates allowed to accompany victims to court when filing for Orders for Protection
Development of support groups for victims to understand power and control
Ellen Pence developed the Duluth model, which changed law enforcement and the courts
Judicial set of shared values and follow through
New laws were created to support arrest, prosecution, and conviction of domestic violence crimes
Abusers held accountable for crime: arrest, jail, support groups

1990s–Observations/Research Learnings
Victims return to shelters
Victims continue relationships with abusers
Abusers held legally accountable but continue to abuse
Cultural nuances: Beijing Women's Conference highlights differing cultural beliefs toward separation of family