Perceptions of domestic abuse victims to police disposals post-arrest by caution or no further action

• In Event: Tracking the Outcomes of Domestic Violence Arrests

Abstract

Providing a satisfactory police response to victims in domestic abuse cases has always been complicated. Differences in the character of the incident, inherent complexities within the victim-offender relationship and victims’ varying individual expectations all contribute to the difficulty of delivering an optimal service.

This paper reports on findings from a survey of domestic abuse victims about their level of satisfaction with the police when their cases were disposed of by caution or no further action. Findings indicate that the most important predictor is the quality of interaction between the police and victim, with victims being more satisfied when the police meet their expectations, whatever they may be, and keep them informed of the outcome of the case. These factors were shown to be of more importance than the disposal decision itself in determining victim confidence and satisfaction.

Authors

• Nicole Cornelius, Hampshire Police UK

• Heather Strang, Cambridge University