You’ve been asked to write a policy proposal for ways to evaluate how the state handles family violence cases. Your task is to identify 3-5 areas for improvement in this space, articulate what the challenge/problem is, and to identify or weigh possible solutions. Alternatively, you can discuss 3-5 areas of strength in this space, articulate why it’s a positive/benefit, and identify/weigh areas to support that thing or what might be possible challenges for that thing in the future. You can also discuss any combination of strengths and weaknesses. Include, in both cases, which populations and types of violence the strength/weakness addresses.

This is an opportunity for you to synthesize what we’ve been talking about all semester. However, there are many areas of family violence that we didn’t get to discuss this semester (or discuss as deeply) so you are welcome to include one or more topics we didn’t address (since we mostly focused on the courts, there’re many institutions we didn’t spend as much time on: policing, social work, churches) but at least 2 areas you discuss should directly cite to class content/material.

You are welcome and encouraged to bring in additional case studies (from media/popular culture) to support your points, including fictional depictions. You are welcome to bring in additional research but not required to do so – all texts should be consistently cited and included in a bibliography.

This paper should be approximately 1200-1500 words (4-5 pages; no more than 6 pages and no fewer than 3). Use of generative AI is prohibited and will result in a failing grade.