Positive police action reduces attacks

Press, 14 September 1987, Page 29

Positive police action reduces attacks

PA Wellington Women beaten up in domestic disputes have a 75 per cent less chance of further assaults if they complain and their aggressor is arrested, police research shows.

The findings come from a follow-up check on a police pilot study in Hamilton last year to see if arresting violent offenders in domestic disputes would reduce further violent attacks. Preliminary findings from the research, in which 32 of 114 complainants were interviewed, resulted in the arrest policy adopted throughout New Zealand in July. The sterner police attitude towards violent offending in the home was

hailed as a positive step in policing. Results, however, were based on short-term research. The latest research, done eight to 13 months after the arrest of aggressors, confirmed that positive police action significantly reduced further attacks.

Of the 36 complainants interviewed in the latest research 11 said things had since become much better, 18 said things were just better, and five said things had not changed.

One said things were worse and one, much worse.

The research showed that 21, or 58.33 per cent, said the behaviour fo the aggressor improved as a direct result of the arrest. Thirteen did not think

the aggressor’s behaviour was better and two did not know.

The complainants’ relationships with their aggressors showed considerable long term changes after the arrests. Surprising was the high number, 12 or 33.33 per cent, who said the relationship was over, according to the study.

Five said the relationship was a lot better, nine thought it was just better and eight thought things had not changed. The significance of domestic intervention by the police was shown by the 86.11 per cent of all complainants who claimed their personal situation was either much better or better after the arrests.