Explaining the Prevalence, Context, and Consequences

PROJECT SUMMARY FOR 2001-WT-BX-0501

This two-phased project will examine the factors associated with the consequences of dual arrest in intimate partner violence (IPV) cases. Phase 1 will examine the general legal and organizational context in which police responses to IPV occur. It will involve a broad-based examination of the prevalenc, general context, and variance in rates of dual arrests in 3,084 police departments in 25 states. Phase 2 will be a more detailed examination of dual arrests in six jurisdictions. The project objectives are to: (1) compare the prevalence of dual-arrest rates and examine the context of IPV cases in the United States; (2) explain the variation both in dual-arrest rates and between IPV cases and other domestic-violence cases; (3) determine the proportion of police responses to IPV that resulted in no-arrest, single-arrest, or dual-arrest outcomes and how well these responses match victim needs and preferences; (4) study the factors associated with each of these outcomes; (5) identify and examine characteristics that best predict the arrest of females; (6) describe how the criminal-justice system treats women arrested for IPV; (7) analyze the factors associated with prosecution and conviction in IPV cases; and (8) examine the impact of dual arrest on subsequent reports of violence.

Ca/ncf