NCJ Number
208203
Journal
Crime & Delinquency Volume: 51 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2005 Pages: 75-102
Date Published
January 2005
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether differences in court dispositions varied with differences in the prevalence, incidence, and length of time until rearrest for suspects arrested for misdemeanor assaults on intimate partners.
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that the effectiveness of court dispositions on reducing the recidivism rate of domestic assault offenders may vary based on offender characteristics. The current study examined the incidence, prevalence, and time to rearrest for 3,662 persons arrested for intimate partner assault in Hamilton County, Ohio during two study periods: August through October 1993 and January 1995 through May 1996. Differences in court disposition for these offenders included no charges filed, dropped charges, court-mandated treatment, probation, jail, and split sentences. Data were drawn from arrest reports, intake interview forms, and court records. Results of statistical analyses indicated that differences in dispositions resulting in “nonconvictions” and “convictions” corresponded with significant differences in the prevalence, incidence, and time to rearrest. Additionally, results suggested that the rearrest rates associated with specific court dispositions vary on the basis of arrestee characteristics and neighborhood characteristics. Finally, the evidence shows weak support for the effectiveness of batterer treatment in Hamilton County. Future inquiry into these disposition effects on batterer recidivism will be beneficial for developing effective policies related to the control of domestic violence. Tables, notes, references