Specialized domestic violence courts (DVCs) have been a popular judicial option for processing domestic violence (DV) offenders since the 1990s. While DVCs vary in structure, common core components for programming have emerged across courts in the United States concerning courtroom features and processes. This article reviews the etiology and history of specialty courts for intimate partner violence, discusses the common programming components implemented by courts nationwide, and provides an assessment of the efficacy of DVCs in holding offenders accountable while simultaneously protecting victim safety. Finally, the article discusses the ongoing challenges and implications with regard to community response to DVCs.

自1990年代以来，专门的家庭暴力法院（DVC）已成为处理家庭暴力（DV）罪犯的流行司法选择。尽管DVC的结构各不相同，但在美国各地的法院中，有关法庭功能和程序的程序设计已出现了一些共同的核心要素。本文回顾了亲密伴侣之间暴力行为的专门法庭的病因和历史，讨论了全国法院实施的通用程序组成部分，并评估了DVC在追究罪犯责任的同时保护受害者安全的功效。最后，本文讨论了社区对DVC的响应方面的持续挑战和启示。