NCJ Number
184477
Journal
American Journal of Criminal Justice Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Dated: Spring 2000 Pages: 301-312
Date Published
2000
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examines the impact of sentencing options on the likelihood of recidivism among domestic violence offenders.
Abstract
Past domestic violence research tended to focus on issues related to law enforcement responses. More recently, the focus has shifted to other components of the criminal justice system, such as prosecution and correctional responses, to determine the best way to reduce domestic violence. This is a case study of 177 male convicted domestic violence offenders who were sentenced to one of the following options: community corrections; jail; a suspended sentence; private counseling; a fine or restitution; or advisement. The inquiry focused on the likelihood of each sanction reducing future arrests and convictions for domestic violence. Non-white, younger males who were not first-time offenders were more likely to recidivate. No one sanction was more effective than the others in preventing recidivism. The article suggests that localities need to stop searching for a “cure all” program or a “one-size-fits-all” approach to domestic violence. Sentencing options that do not include appropriately individualized treatment services will have a limited impact on recidivism. Tables, references