Mid Sweden University

Consequences of refusing to participate in the criminal investigation or protective measures

A quantitative study within a group of women assessed for risk of future intimate partner violence victimization

Josefin Niit and Lisa Norrbin

Abstract

Intimate partner violence [IPV] is a global issue and IPV towards women have received increased attention during the last decades. The police perform a vital task in supporting victims of IPV and providing protective measures to prevent further violence. Some victims refuse to participate in the criminal investigation or protective measures, which can have consequences for the judicial process or the risk of future victimization. The aim of the present study was to investigate the consequences of refusing to participate in the criminal investigation or protective measures within a group of women assessed for risk of future IPV victimization. A quantitative approach was applied to compare women who refused to participate against women who participated. The sample consisted of 207 cases which were assessed with SARA:SV in the police county of Södertörn. The results demonstrated that when women refused to participate in the criminal investigation the cases were 6.2 times less likely prosecuted. Women who refused to participate in the protective measures were repeatedly victimized to the same amount, even though they in comparison were a lower risk group. However, these women were 4 times more likely victims of assault when repeatedly victimized. Findings from the current study provide useful knowledge about consequences for women who refuse to participate in the criminal investigation or protective measures and enables practical solutions for agents of the judicial system to further help these women.

Keywords: Intimate partner violence, participation, criminal investigation, protective measures, SARA:SV