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Practical Implications of Current Domestic Violence Research: For Law Enforcement, Prosecutors and Judges

Published June 2009

Chapter 6. Prosecution Responses

In this chapter find:

• 6-1. What is the current level of domestic violence prosecution across the country?
• 6-2. Can most domestic violence arrest cases be successfully prosecuted in court?
• 6-3. Will aggressive prosecutions or sentences increase the demand for trials?
• 6-4. Do victims want their abusers prosecuted?
• 6-5. Why do a minority of victims oppose prosecution?
• 6-6. Is victim fear of prosecution well founded?
• 6-7. Can prosecutors increase victim cooperation?
• 6-8. Should prosecutors follow victim preferences when prosecuting offenders?
• 6-9. What evidence is typically available to prosecute domestic violence cases?
• 6-10. Can cases be successfully prosecuted without the victim?
• 6-11. Can successful prosecutions be increased?
• 6-12. What does adoption of no-drop policies actually mean?
• 6-13. What kind of dispositions do most suspects receive?
• 6-14. Does prosecuting domestic violence offenders deter reabuse?
• 6-15. When does sentencing of domestic violence defendants not necessarily prevent reabuse?
• 6-16. Are defendants who don’t show up in court more at risk for reabusing than those who do?
• 6-17. Can "first" offenders be safely diverted or discharged?
• 6-18. Do specialized prosecution units work?
• 6-19. What characterizes specialized prosecution units?