Citation

Lichtenstein B, Johnson IM. Women Crim. Justice 2009; 19(4): 286-305.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08974450903224329

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Victims of domestic violence are legally entitled to police protection, but multiple barriers exist in contacting law enforcement. In this study, we used Federal Bureau of Investigation data, key informant interviews, and focus groups to examine barriers to reporting domestic violence among older African American women in the rural Deep South. Three primary barriers were identified: gender roles, age dependency, and mistrust of law enforcement. The main finding was that reports of domestic violence were deterred by fears of being stigmatized by church, family, and community. The one compelling and feasible resolution is for law enforcement to take a leadership role in educating clergy and other community leaders about domestic violence as a crime against older women.