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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Placer County Grand Jury • 2004-2005

Gender Bias in Domestic Violence Cases

Published: October 20, 2006 21 pages
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Findings 5 findings

F1
It is likely mistakes were made in the convictions of some men, and gender bias was indeed an important factor in those erroneous decisions. Response: I disagree with the finding because it infers that the Children's System of Care, CSOC, is the legal authority to convict individuals when in fact this is the duty and responsibility of the courts. It is outside the scope of the County Executive Office and the CSOC to determine whether or not mistakes were made in the convictions of some men and if gender bias was a factor in such decisions. The CSOC is involved in dependency court proceedings that involve domestic violence related to child abuse or neglect, however, its role in such cases is to provide services as directed by the courts, and not convictions.
F2
The prevailing perception among male domestic violence offenders was CPS (now CSOC) was the agency most troubling to them as a result of its gender bias, and they felt this had resulted in the most egregious errors. Response: I disagree with the finding. Based on an the internal review of the CSOC there appears to be no evidence to accept the finding that gender bias exists within the organization and there is no record of complaints filed alleging such behavior. Findings:
F3
All county agencies and all persons interviewed who worked for the county claimed a total lack of gender bias, but admitted there may have been some cultural assumptions among staff members that caused wrong judgements. Response: I disagree with the finding. According to the response of the HHS Director there is no evidence of the alleged gender bias and there have been no formal complaints submitted to the CSOC in this regard. Also, staff of the CSOC receive training as part of their educational curriculum to identify and understand the subject of gender bias. Findings:
F4
Attendees in the court mandated anger management group sessions are required to attend these sessions for 52 weeks and are required to pay for these sessions. Response: I disagree partially with the finding. The "anger management sessions" are actually a Batterer's Treatment Program and if the Dependency Court orders an individual into this program the CSOC pays for all of the program costs. If an individual is similarly ordered to participate in this program as a result of a criminal conviction of domestic violence then the individual must pay for the program costs. However, these costs are charged on a sliding scale based on the individual's ability to pay. Findings:
F5
The current official name for Child Protective Services, which is Children's System of Care, is difficult to find. The telephone accessibility of the Children's System of Care is difficult as well. 17

Recommendations 11