Professor Awarded Grant To Evaluate Stop Violence Against Women Projects In Pennsylvania

10-4-96

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA-Dr. Jennifer Mastrofski, assistant professor of administration of justice with the Institute for Continuing Justice Education and Research at Penn State, has been awarded an 18-month grant by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to evaluate three model domestic violence pilot projects in Pennsylvania. The $102,000 evaluation grant and model projects are being funded through the Violence Against Women Act, passed as part of the 1994 federal crime bill.

The pilot programs in Lancaster, Luzerne and Philadelphia counties will address areas such as: training law enforcement officers and prosecutors to more effectively identify and respond to violence against women; developing units specifically targeting violent crimes against women; developing more effective police and prosecution policies and protocols, specifically devoted to cases of violence against women; and strengthening victim services programs, including services to minority populations.

During the 18-month study, Dr. Mastrofski will focus on three major research questions:

1. Has violence against women been .

2. Have services to women victims been improved?

3. Have law enforcement and prosecutorial practices been changed, and if so, what are the results?

Dr. Mastrofski has previous experience in research examining court reforms for handling domestic violence cases. She has just completed a statewide assessment of training needs for professionals dealing with victims of domestic violence. Dr. Mastrofski also serves on the Centre County Domestic Violence Task Force.

The PCCD was established in 1978 to undertake criminal and juvenile justice planning, coordination, and policy analysis for the improvement of the state's justice system. The agency administers the statewide Pennsylvania Crime Watch programs, the county Intermediate Punishment Program, the Deputy Sheriffs' Education and Training Program, and the Constables' Education and Training Program. The PCCD also administers state and federal funding programs. It is expected to fund several more domestic-violence projects in 1997.

For more information about Administration of Justice Programs visit our WWW site at: http://www.cde.psu.edu/AOJ/

EDITOR'S CONTACT: Dr. Mastrofski may be reached at (814) 863-0895. For more information, please contact Angela Rogers by phone: (814) 865-6585 or E-mail: amr1000@cde.psu.edu