Mandatory Arrest: Problems And Possibilities

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NCJRS Virtual Library The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works. Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library Mandatory Arrest: Problems and Possibilities NCJ Number 153684 Author(s) J Zorza; L Woods Date Published 1994 Length 78 pages Annotation Mandatory arrest policies in cases of domestic assault were examined with respect to whether and under what circumstances they are effective ways to protect abused women. Abstract The analysis focused on States that had enacted mandatory arrest laws by 1991 and on studies, reports, and experiences of advocates and others with contact with battered women in the states with histories of mandatory arrest. The analysis revealed that these laws increase arrest and shorten the time involved in putting victims in contact with helping agencies. Mandatory arrest also communicates to the entire community that domestic assault is a crime. However, disproportionate arrests of women and dual arrests are common. In addition, many minority victims are thrust into the criminal justice system without support from culturally and racially supportive domestic violence programs. Moreover, mandatory arrest requires a large and long-term commitment of resources. Findings suggested that mandatory arrest is not an automatic solution to the complex problems of domestic violence. A mandatory arrest law should be enacted only as part of a coordinated response to domestic assault. As part of a carefully planned community system with sufficient resources and monitoring, mandatory arrest can improve protection for battered women and their children. Reference notes and appended chart and summaries of mandatory arrest laws in 25 States

Additional Details

Sponsoring Agency Ford Foundation Address

320 East 43rd Street, New York, NY 10017, United States

Scherman Foundation Address

315 West 57th Street, Suite 204, New York, NY 10019, United States

Chicago Resource Ctr Address

209 West Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60606, United States

Corporate Author National Ctr on Women and Family Law Address

799 Broadway, Room 402, New York, NY 10003, United States

Sale Source National Ctr on Women and Family Law Address

799 Broadway, Room 402, New York, NY 10003, United States

Publication Type Program/Project Evaluation Language English Country United States of America

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Related Topics

Abused women Domestic violence arrest policies Spouse abuse statutes Victims of violent crime Arrests