The Relative Effects of Offense, Offender, and Victim Variables on the Decision to Prosecute Domestic Violence Cases

Abstract

Traditionally, even when the police have arrested suspected spouse abusers, prosecutors have been reluctant to follow through with prosecution. Using a sample of 424 cases in which abusers were either arrested on the scene or issued citations for court appearance, this research study investigates whether characteristics surrounding the offense (such as cause of the argument and victim injury), offender characteristics (such as prior record and substance abuse), or victim characteristics (such as relationship with the offender and substance abuse) most impact the prosecution's decision to prosecute. The policy implications of the findings are also discussed.