SAC Publication Digest - May 2005 - Justice Research and Statistics ...

were chosen based on characteristics such as location, populations, and poverty level, and focus
groups were conducted in each county. Participation was voluntary and a total of 22
individuals took part in the focus groups. Participants frequently mentioned that location and
economic condition made it difficult to seek services, and some expressed negative feelings
about the criminal justice system. A large number of the focus group participants had used
counseling services.
PENNSYLVANIA
EVALUATION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ABUSE SCREENING BY
PRIMARY CARE PRACTITIONERS
Wanda Filer, Valerie Campbell, and Sally Cavanaugh
January 2004, 51 pp.
This study examines the rates of sexual abuse and domestic violence screening by healthcare
providers both before and after the introduction of practice guidelines/requirements and
educational interventions. Patient records at 10 suburban primary care practices were reviewed
for screening. Documentation of domestic violence screening was found to vary across practices
and by reason for patient visit. Sexual assault screening documentation occurred less than
domestic violence screening, but in the cases in which it did occur, abuse was found more often
(1 in 3) than in cases screened for domestic violence (1 in 12).
EVALUATION OF PENNSYLVANIA’S PROTECTION FROM ABUSE DATABASE
Brenda K. Uekert, Penney Wentland, Susan Keilitz, and Tracy Peters
October 2004, 23 pp.
This report presents an evaluation of the Protection From Abuse Database. The study focuses on
PFAD usage, satisfaction levels, victim safety, data transmission, and system integration. Data
were collected through secondary data analysis, county-level surveys, user surveys, case
studies, and system analysis. Findings indicate that PFAD users are highly satisfied, that the
system meets their needs, and they recommend it to others in their positions. However, most
users aren’t aware of or don’t take advantage of the full range of the database functions and
capabilities. There were variations across the state in terms of the timeliness and accuracy of
information being entered. The system is most commonly used to propose temporary orders,
initiate petitions, create notices or hearings, edit proposed orders, and prepare final orders.
Fifty-five counties are using or being trained to use PFAD.
WEST VIRGINIA
WEST VIRGINIA STOP VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN PROJECT EVALUATION
Erica Turley and Stephen M. Haas
March 2004, 34 pp.
This report details the number and characteristics of victims served by the STOP (Services,
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