NCJ Number
177799
Journal
Women and Criminal Justice Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: 1999 Pages: 95-120
Date Published
1999
Length
26 pages
Annotation
Data collected in a survey of Alabama residents were analyzed to test the hypothesis that powerful groups such as middle to upper-class white man would differ from less powerful demographic groups such as women, minorities, and economically and educationally disdavantaged persons in their support for domestic assault arrest policies.
Abstract
The research hypothesis was based on conflict theory. The participants were randomly selected for the telephone interviews, which took place in May 1996. The data were analyzed using ordered regression models. A majority agreed with a pro-arrest policy for domestic violence. However, differences based on age, education, income, and gender subgroups offered support for the conflict model. Females, white persons, older participants, less-educated persons, and the wealthy were more likely to agree with police pro-arrest policies, while males, black persons, younger participants, well-educated persons, and people with low incomes were less likely to agree with these policies. Results revealed that domestic violence victimization had a significant role in participants' attitudes toward these policies. This finding should be the focus of further research. Tables, notes, and 31 references (Author abstract modified)