Determinants of perceived risk of formal sanction for courtship violence*

Authors: Miller, Susan¹; Iovanni, Leeann²

Source: Justice Quarterly, Volume 11, Number 2, June 1994 , pp. 281-312(32)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $50.43 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

Using two-wave survey data, this study examines the effect of factors derived from social learning and social control theory on perceptions of the risk of formal sanction pertaining to courtship violence. These factors exerted more influence on perceived certainty than on perceived severity, and more influence on the perceived certainty of arrest than on the perception that the police simply would be summoned to the scene. In a gender analysis, females' perceptions of the certainty of arrest were lower than males'. For males, prior use of violence was related to lower perceived certainty. Also, the more strongly males were attached to parents and peers, the higher were their perceptions of severity. Moral beliefs influenced perceived certainty of arrest significantly in both gender groups. The implications of these findings are discussed. Results are consistent with the need to increase the credibility of criminal justice intervention; they support existing proactive strategies such as educational programs on dating violence.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07418829400092261

Affiliations: 1: Northern Illinois University 2: Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Publication date: 1994-06-01