RT Article
T1 Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Victims With Police and the Justice System in Canada
JF Journal of interpersonal violence
VO 36
IS 3/4
A1 Saxton, Michael D.
A2 Olszowy, Laura
A2 MacGregor, Jennifer C. D.
A2 MacQuarrie, Barbara J.
A2 Wathen, C. Nadine 1968-
LA English
YR 2021
UL https://krimdok.uni-tuebingen.de/Record/1749046466
AB Legal responses to intimate partner violence (IPV) can determine whether and how those exposed to IPV seek help. Understanding the victim’s perspective is essential to developing policy and practice standards, as well as informing professionals working in policing and the justice system. In this survey study, we utilized a subset of 2,831 people who reported experiencing IPV to examine (a) rates of reporting to the police; (b) experiences with, and perceived helpfulness of, police; (c) rates of involvement with the criminal and family law systems, including protection orders; and (d) experiences with, and perceived helpfulness of, the justice system. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for closed-ended survey questions and content analysis of text responses. More than 35% of victims reported a violent incident to the police, and perceptions of helpfulness were mixed. Fewer victims were involved with the criminal and family law systems, and their satisfaction also varied. Text responses provided insight into possible reasons for the variability found in experiences, for example, the proposed role of victim and system expectations, and respondents’ perception that getting help depends on “being lucky” with the officials encountered.
K1 justice system response
K1 Police Response
K1 Survey Design
K1 Domestic Violence
DO 10.1177/0886260518758330