Victim Noncooperation in the Prosecution of Domestic Assault

In recent years increased attention has been focused on the response of the criminal justice system to domestic violence. Several studies have attributed the low rate of prosecution for spousal assaults to noncooperation on the part of police, prosecutors, and judges. A discussion of the role played by victim noncooperation in the prosecution process has been conspicuously absent. This article presents preliminary findings from a study of approximately 6,200 cases of domestic assaults reported to law enforcement authorities. The incidence and correlates of victim noncooperation are outlined at four decision points.