title: Who are the defendants in domestic violence protection order cases?
abstract: Domestic violence protective orders (DVPOs) are the nation's most widely used intimate partner violence (IPV)-related legal intervention, and there is emerging evidence that DVPOs are effective. However, little is known about DVPO defendants. We examined a population-based sample of male DVPO defendants. Most had previous IPV-related offenses, mental health issues, and alcohol and drug-use histories. Court personnel should be aware of the severity of violence plaintiffs are likely experiencing, and the potential danger posed by defendants, and ensure that expedited and appropriate protection is awarded. Concurrent treatment for substance abuse and mental health may enhance the effectiveness of DVPOs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7440, USA. moracco@email.unc.edu
authors.forename: Kathryn E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Moracco
authors.forename: Kathryn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Andersen
authors.forename: Rebecca M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Buchanan
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Espersen
authors.forename: J Michael
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Bowling
authors.forename: Courtney
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Duffy
mesh_terms: D018585:Battered Women / Q000523:psychology*; D003416:Criminal Law; D057237:Criminals / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000523:psychology; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D035846:Law Enforcement; D008297:Male; D028642:Persons with Psychiatric Disorders / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D011640:Public Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D012307:Risk Factors; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000523:psychology