Civil protective order outcomes: violations and perceptions of effectiveness

J Interpers Violence. 2009 Apr;24(4):675-92. doi: 10.1177/0886260508317186. Epub 2008 May 1.

Abstract

This study examined protective order (PO) outcomes for a period of 12 months for 698 women from multiple jurisdictions. Overall, results indicate that 2 out of 5 women did not experience violence after the PO was issued; however, 3 out of 5 women did experience ongoing violence. Two key risk factors were associated with PO violations and are examined. Further, only 9% of women dropped the order, and the vast majority of women perceived the PO was effective and that they felt safe. Results from this study suggest that POs are an important avenue for women's safety. However, results also suggest that PO effectiveness can be increased by attending to specific risk factors, crafting POs to meet individual needs, and by appropriate enforcement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Battered Women / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Battered Women / psychology
  • Battered Women / statistics & numerical data
  • Crime Victims / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Crime Victims / psychology
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data
  • Dangerous Behavior
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care / statistics & numerical data
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Risk Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Spouse Abuse / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Spouse Abuse / psychology
  • Spouse Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Women's Health / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Young Adult