Predicting Violence on Scene at Domestic Dispute Calls

• In Event: Exploring Theoretical Explanations of Crime

Abstract

There are studies documenting the frequency of violence against law enforcement at domestic disputes, but little to no information is available regarding the frequency of violence between domestic-violence disputants after the arrival of law enforcement. This study combines deference exchange theory and postulates regarding dominance-driven behavior to hypothesize situational predictors for violence on scene (VOS) after officers respond to domestic dispute calls. These predictors, derived from information in the original call to emergency services, characteristics of the neighborhood from which the call was placed, and individual-level characteristics of the officer, can then be used to inform officers’ assessment of risk prior to arrival at a domestic violence scene and subsequent behavior at the scene.

Author

• Bernadette J Stewart, University of South Florida