SUMMARY: BRIDGEVIEW PROJECT
Data for this evaluation were drawn from: files of 133
petitioners for a civil order of protection in District 5 Court during
calendar year 1997; questionnaires completed by 75 petitioners for civil
orders of protection in the same municipal district between July 1998 and
July 1999; questionnaires completed by 6 participants in a Victim Information
Program; and key informant interviews. Petitioners and respondents
in civil OPs in the 5th District of Cook County resemble victims
and offenders commonly serviced by domestic violence agencies in the south
suburbs of Chicago. The Victim Information Program at 5th District
Court was not successful due to severe logistical problems.
In contrast, the Family Safety Case Management program appears to be successful
and this evaluation supports its continuation and expansion. A better
approach to victim information programs is found in the advocacy model
offered by community domestic violence agencies, particularly when enhanced
with electronic media (videotape, compact disc, e-mail, web) to reduce
the logistical difficulties faced by a time-bound and space-limited system
like a courthouse. The electronically-enhanced advocacy approach
is the most likely of the currently available models to reduce the problems
associated with the time lag between petition and VIP.