Citation

O'Dell A. J. Aggression Maltreat. Trauma 2008; 15(3): 53-73.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10926770802097210

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

After all the positive changes in the criminal justice system over the last ten to fifteen years concerning the response to incidents of domestic violence, there remains the problem of battered women who are arrested as perpetrators of domestic violence. The reasons for these arrests are complex and varied. They range from the patriarchal structure of criminal justice agencies, to the staffing of these agencies, and finally to the inappropriate and inadequate training of police officers. This article includes real life examples of cases where victims were arrested, and why these arrests occurred. It also includes suggestions on how to minimize these illegal arrests.