Protective orders and domestic violence: Risk factors for re-abuse

One of the few legal tools for protecting victims of domestic violence is the civil Protection Order (PO), How effective they were in preventing re-abuse was analyzed by examining court and police records from 210 couples in which female victims (or "applicants") filed POs against their violent partners. Police records for 2 years prior and two years following the issuance of a PO were reviewed. Results indicated a significant decline in the probability of abuse following a PO. Prior to filing a PO, 68% of the women reported physical violence. After filing only 23% reported physical violence. Several risk factors were assessed and it was found that very low SES women were more likely to report re-abuse as were African-Americans.