An In-depth Analysis of Domestic Violence Through the Use of Case Studies

• In Event: Protection Orders, Legal Processing, and Domestic Violence

Abstract

In spite of the progress of the past fifty years in the handling of domestic violence cases, legal practices in this area still constitute a very complex matter. Studies that focus primarily on the use of survey data tend to omit many of the differences across cases that characterize the disposition process, leaving many students to wonder what the reality of filing, processing, and sentencing domestic violence cases really is. This presentation focuses on a sample of case studies filed through a Midwest court across a five year period. The main objective is to highlight the characteristics of each case and emphasize aspects of the cases that are essential for a deeper understanding of domestic violence as a major social problem. In addition, the presentation provides an overview of the process that cases follow within our legal system and the different types of outcomes across cases. Because many students who study domestic violence struggle to gain a full understanding of the process, our analysis can be useful for classroom activities that aim to engage students in the reality of legal procedures in the criminal justice system.

Authors

• Monica Solinas-Saunders, Indiana University Northwest

• Danny Tsataros, Indiana University Northwest