Deterrence of Domestic Violence: A Critical View of Research

The author criticizes studies of deterrence regarding domestic violence on grounds that they have taken a narrow perspective on effects, given shallow consideration to process, and produced a paucity of deterrence alternatives. The essay suggests that assessments should measure whether suspects find new victims or increase the severity of their crimes and whether the welfare of victims has improved or declined over a period of at least 1 year. The author also argues for explorations into typologies that include information about victims and about the attitudes of police who deliver the treatments. The author proposes for study inclusion of interventions that empower victims and that provide them alternative supports.