Domestic Violence

Abstract

This article examines the effect of convictions for domestic violence or a related charge on the recidivism of batterers. Findings indicate that convictions reduce the likelihood of domestic violence recidivism. The variance explained by the conviction variable is modest; however, conviction remains significant when the batterers' histories of domestic violence charges and other background variables are introduced. The article also explores the associations between batterers' background characteristics and court convictions, as well as the effect of sanctions on the recidivism of convicted batterers.