The Impact of Case Length on Victim Cooperation in Domestic Violence Investigations: An Exploratory Analysis

• In Event: Policing Sexual, Domestic, and Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Victims play an instrumental role in helping law enforcement agencies solve and clear cases, but not all victims are willing to participate in the investigative process. Studies have examined the legal and extralegal factors impacting victim cooperation, but research on the impact of case length is limited. Narrowing our focus, there is little to no research on how the length of a case influences participation from victims of domestic violence. Using data from 200 domestic violence cases in a mid-sized policing agency in the Western U.S., this report explores how the length of an investigation and the number of times a victim is interviewed impacts victim involvement and willingness to cooperate.

Authors

• Hannah Pires, Boise State University

• Lisa Growette Bostaph, Boise State University

• Laura King, Boise State University