How Has the Violence Against Women Act Affected the Response of the Criminal Justice System to Domestic Violence?

Authors

Hyunkag Cho, Florida State University
Dina J. Wilke, Florida State University

Keywords

Domestic violence, National Crime Victimization Survey, Violence Against Women Act, incidence rate, arrest, police notification

Abstract

This study uses an interrupted time series design to examine the association between the Violence Against Women Act of 1994 (VAWA) and several different dimensions of the criminal justice system's involvement in violence against women. These include examining the domestic violence incidence rate, and rates of police notification, arrest, and judicial authorities' involvement. Data from the National Crime Victimization Survey from 1992 to 2003 is used. Results suggest that overall the incidence of domestic violence has decreased while police notification and perpetrator arrest have increased over time. Further, victim involvement with judicial authorities significantly increased after enactment of the VAWA. Interpretations and potential explanations of the results are discussed.

Recommended Citation

Cho, Hyunkag and Wilke, Dina J. (2005) "How Has the Violence Against Women Act Affected the Response of the Criminal Justice System to Domestic Violence?," The Journal of Sociology & Social Welfare: Vol. 32: Iss. 4, Article 9.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15453/0191-5096.3118
Available at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/jssw/vol32/iss4/9