This study examined the impact of prior intimate partner violence (IPV) on women’s court experiences, mental health, and willingness to engage the system in the future.
This study investigated women’s court experiences, mental health, and willingness to engage the system in the future for intimate partner violence (IPV), with a primary focus on the role of prior abusive relationships. Regression analyses indicated that women with (vs. without) prior abusive relationships reported greater depression symptoms and perceived stress, and less willingness to engage the system in the future. No differences emerged in PTSD symptoms. This study provides insight into the experiences women have in the court system following their partner’s arrest for IPV, considers their past abusive experiences, and has implications for women’s safety and well-being. Among 298 women whose partners were arrested for IPV, chi-square analyses found that women who had (vs. did not have) a prior abusive relationship were less likely to have contact with a court-based victim advocate, but there were no differences in the criminal order of protection level of restriction they requested. (Published Abstract Provided)