Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution: Implications for Safety.

Cerulli C, Kothari CL, Dichter M, Marcus S, Wiley J, Rhodes KV. Victim Participation in Intimate Partner Violence Prosecution: Implications for Safety. Violence Against Women. 2014 Jun 2; 20(5):539-560.

Related HSR&D Project(s)

• CDA 10-202 – Assessing and Responding to Intimate Partner Violence among Women Veterans

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Abstract:

Are intimate partner violence (IPV) victims safer if they use the criminal justice system? Concerns about perpetrator retaliation, in the face of data that protection orders can reduce future harm, make it important to understand how victim utilization (calling 911, talking to the prosecutor, and proceeding with prosecution) affects subsequent safety. We hypothesized participation would improve victims' safety, measured by decreases in subsequent IPV-related 911 calls and/or emergency department visits. Findings support contact with the prosecutor's office was associated with reduction in police-reported IPV, regardless of the victim's wish to proceed. Policy implications support pro-prosecution strategies coupled with victim contact.