Factors increasing the likelihood of sole and dual charging of women for intimate partner violence

Violence Against Women. 2014 Dec;20(12):1447-72. doi: 10.1177/1077801214557954. Epub 2014 Nov 14.

Abstract

Sole and dual charging of women for intimate partner violence (IPV) has risen in some Canadian and American jurisdictions since the implementation of pro-charging policies. Adding to the limited research within Canada by examining court cases from a small, Ontario city, sociodemographic and situational characteristics are assessed to determine if the context in which women were charged differs from that of men, or in which dual charges were laid. Women were more likely to be charged if they were younger, in legal or common-law relationships, and in rural jurisdictions. Dual charging was more likely among women in current and dating relationships.

Keywords: dual charging; female offenders; intimate partner violence.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Demography
  • Domestic Violence* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Domestic Violence* / prevention & control
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Jurisprudence
  • Male
  • Sexual Partners / psychology
  • Social Control Policies / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spouse Abuse* / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Spouse Abuse* / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse* / statistics & numerical data
  • Spouses / psychology