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Evaluation of the NSW Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model

NCJ Number
223023
Author(s)
Laura Rodwell; Nadine Smith
Date Published
2008
Length
106 pages
Annotation
This report describes the methodology and presents the findings of an evaluation of New South Wales' (Australia) Domestic Violence Intervention Court Model (DVICM), which is designed to improve the criminal justice system's response to domestic violence by improving victim safety and ensuring that convicted perpetrators of domestic violence are held accountable.
Abstract
Mixed results were found with the police and local court outcomes in the two pilot sites for the DVICM (Campbelltown and Wagga Wagga). The number of domestic violence reports to the police showed no consistent upward or downward trend. Although the number of alleged domestic violence offenders charged in Campbelltown increased after the DVICM began, the increase apparently reflected a trend that began prior to the DVICM. Wagga Wagga had high charge rates prior to the DVICM, and these remained high throughout the DVICM period. The control group also showed an increase in charge rates. In addition, there was limited evidence of the success of the DVICM in the local courts of the two sites. The percentage of domestic violence cases finalized by guilty plea did not change in Campbelltown; and they decreased in the Wagga Wagga court after the DVICM was introduced. Overall, victims reported they were very satisfied with the police response in both sites. Most victims reported that they felt safe at the time of the interview. The majority of key stakeholders believed the DVICM was a successful pilot project and recommended that the model be continued in the two sites. They also recommended that the DVICM be considered for implementation in other locations. DVICM components were improved policing practices, more efficient court practices, greater victim support, and improved management of suspects and offenders. 36 tables, 18 figures, and appended detailed evaluation methodology and survey questionnaires