Female victims of partner versus nonpartner violence - Experiences with the criminal justice system

A sample of 284 female victims of physical or sexual assault reported on their experiences with the criminal justice system (CJS). Women were categorized into one of two groups based on their relationship with the perpetrator: partner assault victims and nonpartner assault victims. Compared to nonpartner assault victims, victims of assault by an intimate partner were consistently less likely to report satisfaction with professionals involved in the CJS as well as with the CJS in general. Some differences also emerged regarding specific experiences with these professionals and the criminal justice process. In addition, strength of statutory protection of crime victims' rights was analyzed in relation to the experiences of partner violence victims. Group differences emerged in states weak in protection of crime victims rights but not in strong protection states. Findings suggest specific needs of female victims of partner violence must be taken into account more fully by the CJS.