Mid Term Study Guide

Question 1

Ancient Civilizations

Answer 1

Roman civil law – patria potestas & Marriage and property laws tied to men’s authority; women viewed as property.

Question 2

Western Legal Traditions

Answer 2

English common law & “Rule of Thumb”

Question 3

What is the patria potestas in Roman civil law?

Answer 3

Husband’s legal control over wife

This included the right to beat, sell, or kill.

Question 4

What did the ‘Rule of Thumb’ legitimize in the 18th century?

Answer 4

Wife-beating as long as it left no lasting marks

This was part of the normalization of male dominance in English common law.

Question 5

What was the first symbolic anti-DV law enacted in Massachusetts?

Answer 5

1641

This law marked an early attempt to address domestic violence.

Question 6

What significant legal reform occurred in Alabama in 1871?

Answer 6

First to rescind husband’s right to abuse

This was part of post-Civil War legal reforms.

Question 7

What biblical text states, ‘he shall rule over you’?

Answer 7

Genesis 3:16

This text is often cited in discussions of religious foundations of patriarchy.

Question 8

What is the definition of coercive control?

Answer 8

Pattern of threats, intimidation, isolation, and emotional abuse aimed at domination

It includes control over sexuality, social connections, finances, and daily life.

Question 9

What are the two main levels of explanation for domestic violence?

Answer 9

• Individual-level theories
• Sociological-level theories

These perspectives include biological, psychological, structural, cultural, feminist, and intersectional explanations.

Question 10

What is intimate terrorism?

Answer 10

Coercive, controlling, frequent violence, mostly by men

It is one of the types of IPV identified in modern perspectives.

Question 11

True or false: The Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment found that arrest was the least effective in deterring recidivism.

Answer 11

FALSE

The experiment found that arrest was the most effective in deterring recidivism.

Question 12

What is the impact of IPV on individuals and society?

Answer 12

• Physical injuries
• Psychological effects (PTSD, depression)
• Economic consequences (job loss, health costs)

IPV also affects workplace productivity and can lead to intergenerational trauma in children.

Question 13

What is the gender symmetry debate in IPV?

Answer 13

Official stats show 90% of victims are women; CDC reports women are 3x more likely to experience IPV

The symmetry myth ignores context, severity, injury, fear, and control.

Question 14

What are the official data sources for measuring domestic violence?

Answer 14

• DOJ – Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)
• NCVS (National Crime Victimization Survey)
• NIBRS (FBI)
• NISVS (CDC)

These sources provide statistical data on domestic violence incidents.

Question 15

What is the definition of domestic violence (DV)?

Answer 15

Varies across societal, legal, and research contexts

Different definitions affect measurement, policy, services, and criminal responses.

Question 16

What is the primary focus of feminist advocacy in the 1970s?

Answer 16

Exposed criminal-legal failures to protect victims

This advocacy led to the creation of shelters and legal aid networks.

Question 17

What does specific deterrence refer to in the context of IPV enforcement?

Answer 17

Arrest discourages reoffending by the same individual

This is contrasted with general deterrence, which signals societal disapproval.

Question 18

What is a key finding from the Minneapolis Domestic Violence Experiment?

Answer 18

Arrest was most effective in deterring recidivism

This led to rapid nationwide adoption of pro-arrest policies.

Question 19

What is the significance of the Thurman v. City of Torrington case?

Answer 19

Police failure led to $2.3M damages

This case sparked fear of liability and adoption of mandatory arrest policies.

Question 20

What are the limitations of deterrence theory in IPV enforcement?

Answer 20

Fails when social, structural, or economic supports are missing

This highlights the complexity of addressing IPV effectively.

Question 21

What is the impact of IPV on children/adolescents?

Answer 21

Intergenerational trauma, developmental effects

Children exposed to IPV may experience long-term psychological and emotional challenges.

Question 22

What is the role of religion in the context of IPV?

Answer 22

• Can serve as a barrier
• Can also promote resilience

Religious communities can support prevention through education and outreach programs.

Question 23

What are the intersections that shape IPV experiences?

Answer 23

• Gender
• Race
• Class

These intersections contribute to the unique experiences of individuals, particularly for marginalized groups.

Question 24

Black women experience multiple oppressions including _______.

Answer 24

• Racism
• Sexism
• Poverty

These factors compound the challenges faced by Black women in the context of IPV.

Question 25

Stereotypes like the **‘strong Black woman’** distort system responses to IPV by _______.

Answer 25

Creating biases that affect how victims are perceived and treated ## Footnote Such stereotypes can lead to a lack of support and understanding from authorities.

Question 26

True or false: Community loyalty and systemic distrust encourage reporting of IPV.

Answer 26

FALSE ## Footnote These factors often discourage individuals from reporting incidents of IPV.

Question 27

According to social control theories, people use violence when _______ outweigh costs.

Answer 27

Rewards ## Footnote This perspective suggests that violence can be a calculated choice based on perceived benefits.

Question 28

What are the **sociodemographic factors** that increase IPV risks?

Answer 28

* Poverty * Unemployment * Substance use ## Footnote These factors contribute to stress and loss of control, increasing the likelihood of IPV.

Question 29

During the Great Recession, overall DV decreased but intimate partner homicide _______.

Answer 29

Increased ## Footnote This indicates a complex relationship between economic downturns and IPV dynamics.

Question 30

Domestic violence is viewed as a product of _______ structures and cultural norms.

Answer 30

Patriarchal ## Footnote This perspective emphasizes the role of societal power dynamics in perpetuating IPV.

Question 31

What are the **key features** of Coercive Control?

Answer 31

* Pattern of behavior * Low-level, frequent tactics * Intentionality of domination * Victim experience of fear ## Footnote These features highlight the ongoing nature of abuse beyond isolated incidents.

Question 32

Approximately what percentage of women experience **Coercive Control**?

Answer 32

3–13% ## Footnote This statistic reflects the prevalence of control tactics in IPV cases.

Question 33

Coercive Control combines both **control** and _______.

Answer 33

Coercion ## Footnote This combination sustains conditions of unfreedom for victims.

Question 34

What are common tactics of **Coercive Control**?

Answer 34

* Intimidation * Stalking/Surveillance * Degradation * Control ## Footnote These tactics serve to maintain power and dependency in abusive relationships.

Question 35

True or false: High control is a stronger predictor of **fatality** than violence severity.

Answer 35

TRUE ## Footnote Research indicates that control dynamics significantly increase the risk of lethal outcomes.

Question 36

What are the **key themes** for review in understanding IPV?

Answer 36

* Intersectionality * Structural vs. individual explanations * Cultural norms * Service access ## Footnote These themes help frame discussions around IPV and its complexities.

Question 37

What is the concept of **Selective Screening** in IPV cases?

Answer 37

The filtering out of IPV cases at multiple levels ## Footnote This includes victims' decisions to report and systemic responses that may dismiss reports.

Question 38

Historically, what percentage of victims reported IPV to police in 1979?

Answer 38

~2% ## Footnote This low reporting rate highlights the challenges victims face in seeking help.

Question 39

What is the concept of **Selective Screening** in IPV cases?

Answer 39

The filtering out of IPV cases at multiple levels ## Footnote This includes victims’ decisions to report and systemic responses that dismiss or minimize those reports.

Question 40

Historically, what percentage of victims reported IPV to the police in 1979?

Answer 40

~2% ## Footnote This statistic reflects the low reporting rates of IPV cases over the years.

Question 41

What are some **reasons for non-reporting** of IPV?

Answer 41

* Relational factors: emotional attachment, cohabitation, children * Fear factors: retaliation, disbelief, deportation, shame * Economic/psychological dependence: learned helplessness, lack of alternatives * Societal norms: belief that IPV is private, not 'real crime' ## Footnote These factors contribute to the reluctance of victims to report IPV incidents.

Question 42

What does the **Cycle of Violence** theory suggest about victims' reporting decisions?

Answer 42

Repeated apology-abuse cycles foster dependence ## Footnote This theory highlights the psychological entrapment that can occur in abusive relationships.

Question 43

What are some **situational factors** that influence IPV reporting?

Answer 43

* Degree of injury * Presence of children * Substance use * Weapon use ## Footnote These factors can affect the likelihood of a victim reporting IPV incidents.

Question 44

True or false: Police historically view domestic violence as a **private dispute** rather than a crime.

Answer 44

TRUE ## Footnote This perspective has influenced police response and intervention in IPV cases.

Question 45

What is a major issue with **prosecutorial discretion** in IPV cases?

Answer 45

Majority of DV cases dismissed ## Footnote This is often due to limited resources, high caseloads, and victims being reluctant witnesses.

Question 46

What are some **challenges** faced by the judicial system in enforcing DV laws?

Answer 46

* Inconsistent enforcement * Gender bias * Time pressure and high caseloads ## Footnote These challenges can lead to leniency and undermine victim safety.

Question 47

What is the definition of a **bystander** in the context of IPV?

Answer 47

Any witness or person aware of IPV incident ## Footnote This includes neighbors, coworkers, and family members.

Question 48

What are some **barriers** to bystander action in IPV situations?

Answer 48

* Fear of retaliation * Uncertainty * Normalization of abuse ## Footnote These barriers contribute to social indifference and perpetuate isolation.

Question 49

What are some **noncarceral interventions** proposed for IPV response?

Answer 49

* Nonemergency response teams * Restorative/transformative justice approaches * Community safety networks ## Footnote These interventions aim to provide safety and accountability without relying on policing.

Question 50

What is a key takeaway regarding **structural inequalities** in IPV cases?

Answer 50

They shape all decisions in the IPV reporting and response process ## Footnote Factors such as race, gender, class, and immigration status play a significant role.

Question 51

What does the **Help vs. Harm** framework critique about police involvement in IPV?

Answer 51

Police involvement can trigger state surveillance and revictimization ## Footnote This critique highlights the negative consequences for marginalized survivors.

Question 52

What is the **Rational Choice Model** in the context of IPV reporting decisions?

Answer 52

Victims assess costs vs. benefits of reporting based on expected outcomes ## Footnote This model emphasizes the decision-making process victims undergo when considering reporting.

Question 53

What is the **Black’s dependency hypothesis**?

Answer 53

Explains social class differences in reporting ## Footnote This hypothesis suggests that social class influences the likelihood of reporting IPV.

Question 54

What is the significance of the **VAWA** in IPV reform efforts?

Answer 54

It has improved standardization in DV courts ## Footnote The Violence Against Women Act has contributed to progress in addressing IPV.