Chapter Objectives Discuss the value of research to understanding family violence. Explain the historical significance of the Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment. Explain the difference between quantitative and qualitative research. Identify the major sources of data on family violence. Explain the three major schools of theory and some of the varied approaches that attempt to explain intimate partner violence.

Research Research is important because it offers a way to reconcile our personal reality with experiential reality. Documenting research provides opportunities to replicate studies in order to help avoid overgeneralization, selective observation, and illogical reasoning. One way in which we try to understand family violence is by measuring it. Studies on agency response and personal responsibility help shape our organizations and provide funds.

Applied Research Crime is a social problem that may be better understood and addressed through scientific inquiry. Pure research is conducted for the sake of knowledge, whereas applied research centers around problems affecting people from a practical standpoint. The first national study of intimate partner violence, Behind Closed Doors, reported that spouses strike partners in one of every six households (1980). (Straus, Gelles, & Steinmetz, 1980)

MDVE The first controlled, randomized test of the effectiveness of arrest for intimate partner violence occurred in the Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment (1980). The study assessed the effects of various police responses, including arrest, and suggested that the arrest of the perpetrator produced the least amount of repeat violence for the same victims within a six-month period. (Sherman & Berk, 1984)

MDVE Subsequent violence was reduced by nearly 50% when the suspect was arrested, as opposed to other interventions. (Sherman & Berk, 1984)

Thurman v. City of Torrington In Thurman v. City of Torrington (1984), the court determined that the victim of domestic violence had been denied equal protection under the Fourteenth Amendment when police failed to protect her from her estranged husband who severely beat her and caused her permanent harm.

Civil Suits and Statutes Civil suits brought against police agencies were a contributing factor in changing laws to include mandatory arrest, whether or not the act was witnessed by the officer. Statutes have broadened the definitions and legislative protections. These definitions, provisions for protection, and enforcement vary widely between jurisdictions. All states, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico have enacted some form of domestic violence legislation.

Research Methods Quantitative Qualitative Deductive model Defines the relevant terms Numeric design Scientific surveys Examples: the NCVS and the UCR Looks at phenomena in the natural setting Non-numeric design Studies the characteristics of a population Non-directional research effort

Sources of Data Data on family violence comes from many sources: The FBI: Uniform Crime Report, NIBRS, Supplementary Homicide Reports Bureau of Justice Statistics: NCVS, State Court Processing Statistics, Federal Justice Statistics, Survey of Inmates in State, Federal, and Local Correctional Facilities The Centers for Disease Control—NISVS

Evaluating the Source Information obtained on the internet must be evaluated thoroughly to be reliable. Utilize the Six-Step Model. Sources must be cited properly. Information on both APA and MLA formats are available in books, software programs, and on the Internet.

Family Violence Theory Theories are the ideas that provide a framework for investigating the cause and effect relationship of events. Theories from the Social Sciences The Classical School Rational Choice Theory Deterrence Theory

Additional Theories The Positive School—Biological Theories Eugenics Biochemical Imbalance Theories Sociological Theories Culture of Violence Theory Social Disorganization Theory Strain Theory Gender-Role Theory

Additional Theories The Positive School—Psychological Theories Social Learning Theories Behavior Modeling Theory Intergenerational Transmission Theory

Additional Theories Social Control Theories Attachment Theory Individual Pathology and Male Abuses The Conflict School Patriarchal Theory Gender Inequality

Conclusion The Classical School, with its legalistic approach, is the one that most criminal justice students find memorable. Positive Theory contains the most diverse options for examining family abuse. Because the early biological explanations rest on racist and sexist foundations, they have been discredited. Modern theories such as the biochemical imbalance and neurological theories are offered from the study of medical conditions rather than physical characteristics..