Predictors of Domestic Violence Prosecution in a State Court

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.

Keywords:

• domestic violence
• prosecution
• victim assistance
• state court

Acknowledgments

We would like to acknowledge the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office for providing the data to make this study possible. All points of view expressed and any errors or omissions are those of the authors and do not represent the views of the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney's Office.

Notes

1. The victim advocate making the initial call to the victim is distinctly different from the victim later maintaining communication with the advocate (after the initial call). Although the same tool may have been used for both the victim cooperation and victim assistance measures (the telephone), the two are distinct and different variables.