Julian Leigh

All states now allow police to arrest abusers for domestic violence offenses without a warrant and without witnessing the crime. Because the police are often reluctant to become involved in domestic violence cases, more than half the states now require law enforcement officers to arrest those accused by their partners of domestic violence. In the following viewpoint, Julian Leigh contends that these pro- arrest policies are more effective in reducing domestic violence than restraining orders or counseling the abuser or couple. However, she concludes, pro-arrest policies must be combined with consistent prosecution and sentencing policies to be most effective. Julian Leigh, MSW, is a researcher/ educator for Domestic Violence Clearinghouse and Legal Hotline in Honolulu, Hawaii.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. In what percentage of partner homicides have police been called...