NCJ Number
186372
Journal
Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 2/3 Dated: 2000 Pages: 29-61
Editor(s)
Donna C. Hale
Date Published
2000
Length
33 pages
Annotation
A comparison of black battered women and other victims and police arrest decisions are studied. The theory that black battered women are afforded less police protection than other domestic violence victims is examined.
Abstract
This study looks at whether police are contributing to a system of justice that discriminates on the basis of color and gender compounding the problem for black battered women. Available evidence suggests discriminatory treatment of black battered women based on race, gender, and domestic violence victimization. Two important research questions are answered. First, is the arrest rate for black battered women significantly lower compared to other domestic violence victims? And, second, are there different factors influencing the police decision to arrest for these victims compared to others? Data was used from a medium sized Midwestern police department. A model of the arrest decision was analyzed using logistic regression to compare the police response to black battered women versus other victims. Results indicated that four variables differed to a significant extent across models: victim age, suspect age, whether the victim had a probable drug or alcohol problem, and children present at the scene. The results only partially supported the theory that black battered women would receive both a lower quantity and quality of law. The most troubling finding in the study was that police were less likely to make arrests when black battered women were also mothers, whereas for other victims the odds of arrest more than doubled when children were present. And, significantly more black female victims had children at the scene compared to other victims. Additional results, implications, and the need for further research are discussed. References