Critical Analysis of Domestic Violence Intervention Practice within the Criminal Justice System.

Abstract

Increasing awareness of domestic violence (DV) as a progressively prevalent societal issue has contributed to the implementation of DV interventions within the Police and the wider Criminal Justice System (CJS). This critical analysis evaluates the relationship between DV and the CJS with a particular focus on the legislative responses to Violence Against Women and Girls through the current and statutory definitions of domestic abuse. While applying alternative theoretical and conceptual frameworks for analysis including social constructionism, essentialism, gender, and patriarchy to allow for a unique understanding of how DV is perpetrated. This research also examines the limitations of data collection methods in accurately capturing the extent of DV due to methodological constraints. Typologies of DV perpetrators are also assessed considering the different causes, consequences, and criminogenic needs of each subtype. In addition, the impact of patriarchal societal structures, cultural narratives of love, and gender inequality are discussed throughout to aid in the evaluation of DV interventions and highlight opportunities for further research in a push to highlight the ongoing efforts to eradicate DV and enhance interventions to protect victims.