The Threat of Prosecution May Reduce Further Intimate Partner (Domestic) Violence
The threat of, or offer to drop, prosecution may provide leverage for abused women. For victim-initiated complaints, permitting victims to drop charges following an arrest significantly lowered the chance of new violence during and 6 months following the court appearance. These women also experienced less violence, less severe violence, and a longer delay before the onset of new violence.[1]
Notes
[1] Ford, D.A., and S. Breall. "Violence Against Women: Synthesis of Research for Prosecutors." Final report to the National Institute of Justice, 2000, NCJ 199660.
Date Created: May 19, 2009
