NCJ Number
225748
Journal
Violence Against Women Volume: 15 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2009 Pages: 168-185
Date Published
February 2009
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study examined the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant results using panel data from 1996 to 2002.
Abstract
Findings indicate that VAWA grants were associated with reduction in rape and aggravated assault, but not with other types of Uniform Crime Report (UCR) Part 1 crime. These relationships persisted after controlling for general downward national and local crime trends as well as the effects of other justice programs. The effect sizes for these two types of crimes were larger for the VAWA grants than the other justice grants included in the models, indicating a stronger and distinct relationship between VAWA funding and reduction in rape and aggravated assault. The findings also suggest that two other justice programs (COPS MORE and LLEGB) were broadly associated with crime reductions, including rape and assault. Both of these programs were designed to increase police efficiency via targeted enforcement and improved in-car computers, crime databases, and other technologies. Although these programs were not the specific focus of this analysis, they might have contributed to the effectiveness of VAWA programs. Tables, notes, and references