Abstract

Even though the majority of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents remain unreported and unprosecuted, survivors find themselves navigating the legal system. One hundred and two survivors and service providers participated in semi-structured focus groups or interviews related to their IPV-related court experiences. Data analysis consisted of identifying themes, coding categories, and developing matrices. Themes included: (1) insufficient legal representation, (2) protection order access and enforcement, (3) revictimization in court settings, and (4) disparities in accountability. Participants pointed to a failure to enforce protection orders, mandated child visitation with perpetrators, and lenient sentencing as evidence that the legal system favors perpetrators. Findings indicate the need for IPV education for court personnel, as well as the expansion of public assistance and pro bono legal services.

摘要

尽管大多数亲密伴侣暴力 (IPV) 事件仍未报告和起诉，但幸存者发现自己在法律体系中导航。102 名幸存者和服务提供者参加了与他们的 IPV 相关法庭经历相关的半结构化焦点小组或访谈。数据分析包括识别主题、编码类别和开发矩阵。主题包括：（1）法律代表不足，（2）保护令的使用和执行，（3）法庭环境中的再次受害，以及（4）问责制的差异。参与者指出，未能执行保护令、强制儿童探视肇事者以及从宽量刑作为法律制度有利于肇事者的证据。调查结果表明需要对法院工作人员进行 IPV 教育，