Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Prosecution decisions in cases of domestic violence involving children
Other Titles:	The Journal of social welfare & family law
Authors:	Burton, Mandy
Keywords:	Criminal justice responses
Year:	2000
Publisher:	Sweet & Maxwell
Citation:	22 (2), 2000
Notes:	Discusses the findings of an English study that attempted to ascertain the level of influence the presence of children can have on the decision making and exercise of discretion by police and prosecutors in domestic violence cases. Highlights the disparity of professional responses to the question of whether the primary victim’s interests should outweigh those of secondary, direct or indirect, victims in the decision to prosecute. Argues the findings of the study reveal a significant bias, in both police and prosecutorial responses, in favour of the children’s interests and that a potential consequence of this is the blaming or endangering of the mother and the silencing of her voice as the primary victim. Suggests there is a need for improved understanding, within the criminal justice system, of the dynamics of abusive relationships and greater flexibility in the development of strategies for ensuring the safety of both women and children.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/16392
ISSN:	0141-8033
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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