NCJ Number
210877
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 20 Issue: 2 Dated: April 2005 Pages: 153-171
Date Published
April 2005
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This study compared male and female dually arrested domestic violence offenders.
Abstract
Along with the increase in pro- or mandatory arrest policies for domestic violence, there has also been an increase in the numbers of women being arrested through the practice of dual arrest, in which both parties are placed under arrest for the domestic conflict. Little is known about the women who are arrested in these dual arrests. The current study provides some insights about these women by analyzing data from 317 heterosexual domestic violence cases that resulted in a dual arrest in 1 large southern city over a 28-month period. Data were drawn from multiple sources and include official criminal justice records and interviews with victims and offenders. The analysis compared male and female arrestees in terms of demographics, criminal histories, domestic violence histories, and behavior during the instant offense. Results of statistical analyses indicated no significant differences in partners’ reports of minor and severe physical abuse. Differences did emerge, however, when criminal justice data was considered; male arrestees had considerably higher overall levels of violence and more serious histories of partner and extrafamilial violence than did their female counterparts. The findings throw a questionable light on previous research that has promoted the notion of equivalency of violence between male and female arrestees. Future research should focus on the dynamics of domestic violence. Police implications are discussed and focus on mandatory arrest policies. Notes, references