Holding Stalkers Accountable: Police and Prosecutor Decision-Making in Cases of Intimate Partner Stalking

• In Event: Lightning Talk: The Rutgers Violence Against Women Research Consortium: Addressing Research Gaps and Fostering Creative Dissemination

Abstract

Police officers and prosecutors play an important role in enhancing victim safety and holding stalking suspects accountable. To date, however, few studies have examined how officers and prosecutors make decisions in cases involving stalking and domestic violence. Using a sample of 268 domestic violence and stalking cases reported to Rhode Island law enforcement agencies, this presentation will discuss findings related to the legal and extra-legal factors associated with officers’ decision to arrest and prosecutors’ decision to file charges in case of intimate partner stalking. Theoretical and practical implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Patrick Brady, University of Northern Colorado

• Bradford Reyns, Weber State University