NCJ Number
239441
Journal
Victims and Offenders Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: April - June 2012 Pages: 143-160
Date Published
April 2012
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article examines victim partication in the prosecution of domestic violence.
Abstract
Successful prosecution of State-level domestic violence cases typically requires participation from the victim. However, given the unique factors associated with these cases, the assistance of a victim advocate may be beneficial in maintaining victim cooperation. This research examines 353 cases to determine if victim cooperation and case disposition could be predicted by victim advocacy, victim injuries, defendant's use of a weapon, and the presence of witnesses. Findings from logistic regression analysis suggest that victim assistance was significantly related to both victim cooperation and case disposition. Further, victim cooperation and the presence of witnesses significantly increased the likelihood of a conviction. Published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.