Preventing Repeat Incidents of Family Violence: A Randomized Field Test of a Second Responder Program

• NCJ Number: 232840
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Criminology Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: December 2010 Pages: 397-418
• Author(s): Robert C. Davis; David Weisburd; Edwin E. Hamilton
• Date Published: December 2010
• Length: 22 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study evaluated a second responder model dealing with domestic assault.

Abstract

This field test, conducted with the cooperation of the Redlands, California, Police Department, sought to vary one of the parameters thought to affect the impact of second response programs. Victims who called the Redlands police with a domestic abuse complaint were randomly assigned (1) to receive a second response within 24 hours, (2) to receive a second response within 7 days, or (3) to receive no second response. An examination of police records and surveys with victims 6 months after the initial complaint was called did not indicate any reduction in new abuse resulting from any second response condition. The current findings, coupled with earlier research results, strongly suggest that second response programs are at best ineffective in reducing the potential for new abuse and at worst may increase the likelihood of new abusive incidents. (Published Abstract)