A qualitative study of two Family Violence Coordinating Councils in Illinois confirmed the importance of collaboration between the law enforcement and treatment communities in responding to the needs of families enmeshed in domestic violence. A key finding of the study is that a joint philosophy of intervention is crucial to effective coordination. As key actors change, training is needed to reemphasize the special needs of batterers and victims, so that emphasis on prosecution does not preclude treatment. The judiciary, the State's Attorney's Office, probation, treatment programs, the medical community, the child welfare agency, and the clergy need to be invested in the coordinating process. Multimodal treatment services are needed, and must be supported by law enforcement. Data documenting the impact of intervention on intimate partner violence should be routinely collected to assess the effectiveness of a coordinated response in reducing recidivism.

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