Abstract
In Domestic Violence: Legal Sanctions and Recidivism Rates among Male
Perpetrators, Cosimo provides an in-depth analysis regarding the
interrelated factors of legal measures, reoffending, and intimate violence.
Specifically, the text examines: the significance of recidivism in association with domestic violence, a number of contextual legal aspects related to the existence and response to
domestic violence, a number of theoretical explanations in association with domestic
violence, various legal penalties in relation to recidivism associated with domestic
violence, the characteristics of individuals who are considered recidivists, the factors associated with recidivism in relation to domestic violence, the comparative significance of research findings related to domestic
violence as well as its implications (i.e., legislative, research,
etc.).
In Chapter 1, Introduction, the perception of domestic violence as both a
personal and a public issue is presented. The overall aim of the study is presented
along with its prospective contextual significance within prior studies associated with
domestic violence and recidivism. In general, this study considers a number of
contemporary aspects that have not been considered in similar related prior research
efforts. This includes various legal distinctions, diminished opportunities
(i.e., incarceration, etc.), and the extent of time with regard to
recidivism. The chapter concludes with a brief synopsis of the subsequent chapters
within the text.
In Chapter 2, Domestic Violence: Personal Trouble or Public Issue, Cosimo discusses the contextual legal perception of domestic violence using a specific dichotomous (i.e., personal and public issue) approach. This includes a historical analysis of how domestic violence is perceived and responded to by various institutions. Specifically, it was rarely considered a serious offense. From a legal standpoint, it was ultimately viewed as a social issue due to a number of major social issues (i.e., public fear of violent crime, etc.). Toward the end of the 19th century, domestic violence was considered a personal issue through a number of ideological views and societal developments (i.e., psychoanalytical views, rehabilitative efforts, etc.). The latter part of the 20th century witnessed a shift toward the existence of domestic violence as a public issue in which various community-based coordinated efforts were encouraged.
In Chapter 3, Criminal Justice Response to Domestic Violence: Theoretical Frameworks, a number of sociological perspectives are offered in association with the occurrence and response to domestic violence. This includes the influences of one’s social environment, the perception of negative sanctions, and the contextual role of gender. From a legal standpoint, both civil and criminal justice responses are explored. Within the scope of rehabilitation, both preventive and intervention programs are considered as well as the prospective factors (i.e., causal, correlation, etc.) associated with the likelihood of domestic violence. The chapter concludes with a number of research-based questions along with their respective rationales.
In Chapter 4, Research Methods and Data, the author emphasizes the aim of the study by discussing the various research design methods employed. Initially, this includes a brief description of the selected data source along with an explanation as to why the various subjects were selected. Through the use of tables and classification measures, an extensive amount of information related to the actual study characteristics was identified. This included both independent and dependent variables. With respect to methodology, a discussion regarding the use of frequency distributions, chi-square, and t tests was provided. Specifically, as a means to determine the element of time in terms of nonrecidivism status, the Cox proportional hazards model was used. The chapter concludes by discussing the numerous limitations of the study.
In Chapter 5, Characteristics and Court Involvement of Men in the Study, the author provides the actual characteristics of the subjects that were selected for the study. This includes both independent and dependent variables. Through the use of frequency distribution charts, both individual and legal-based factors were presented.
In Chapter 6, Comparisons Between Recidivists and Non-Recidivists, the statistical aspects of the study are presented. In an effort to draw a distinction between recidivists and nonrecidivists, Cosimo employs the use of a number of testing measures (i.e., t test, chi-square, etc.). Nearly 70% of the subjects failed to engage in any type of subsequent domestic violence. Based upon the remaining 30%, the chapter concludes with the actual findings regarding the extent of domestic violence and recidivism. Factors related to recidivism include prior criminal involvement for domestic related offenses as well as increased periods of incarceration.
In Chapter 7, Discussion, the findings of the study are explored from a number of perspectives. This includes a comparison with previous studies along with the inclusion of certain factors. To that end, a number of prospective explanations are suggested in an attempt to explain such differences. Cosimo compares the recidivists with the nonrecidivists by pointing out a number of categorical distinctions related to demographics, prior court involvement, and legal sanctions. The chapter concludes with an overview of the research hypotheses and their respective findings from the study.
In Chapter 8, Summary and Conclusion, the author provides a review of the findings. This includes the exploration of certain factors that were not previously considered in previous studies. This is followed by a number of contextual explanations and inquiries regarding the significance of the research characteristics. Future research opportunities were associated with the use of specialized intervention measures, the use of civil protective orders as a risk factor, and the role victim experiences. The chapter concludes with an emphasis on addressing the issue of domestic violence through the existence of cultural and ideological transformation.
Domestic Violence: Legal Sanctions and Recidivism Rates among Male Perpetrators, provides an informative and legally relevant approach to the issue of domestic violence. It includes a variety of contextual and theoretical perspectives that is well written and concise. Domestic Violence: Legal Sanctions and Recidivism Rates among Male Perpetrators, is ideal for graduate and postgraduate students as well as policy makers. The text offers a substantial contribution within the discipline of criminal justice and criminology.