Comparative Review on National Strategies in the Prevention of Domestic Violence

ABSTRACT

The objective of this study is to identify the essential elements of national policies that contribute to the prevention of domestic violence with reference to the selected eight countries. National policies and strategies to combat domestic violence are reviewed, and the central mechanisms in each country that implement policy and coordinate service delivery are identified. The United States adopts a national legislation approach to criminalize domestic violence. Canada is committed to criminalizing domestic violence through a coordinated criminal justice response. The UK and Australian government prefer a partnership approach to mobilize community resources. New Zealand and Singapore aim at strengthening and supporting families. The experiences in the Mainland China and Taiwan demonstrate that the making of national legislation and policy are acceptable to change harmful practices of traditional Chinese families. Family is no longer a private domain and violence in families would be stopped by public intervention. The study provides information about the national policies for preventing domestic violence.