Citation

Bechtel KA, Alarid LF, Holsinger AM, Holsinger K. Vict. Offender 2012; 7(2): 143-160.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/15564886.2012.657289

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Successful prosecution of state-level domestic violence cases typically requires participation from the victim. However, given the unique factors associated with these cases, the assistance of a victim advocate may be beneficial in maintaining victim cooperation. This research examines 353 cases to determine if victim cooperation and case disposition could be predicted by victim advocacy, victim injuries, defendant's use of a weapon, and the presence of witnesses. Findings from logistic regression analysis suggest that victim assistance was significantly related to both victim cooperation and case disposition. Further, victim cooperation and the presence of witnesses significantly increased the likelihood of a conviction.