s in domestic disputes a low level of police intervention and arrest are made. Pro-arrest laws require that police make an arrest when there is probable cause to believe that a perpetrator has intentionally or wantonly caused physical injury and presents a clear danger to the victim. Mandatory arrest laws require that an arrest be made when there is probable cause to believe that physical injury has been inflicted and threats have been made using a deadly weapon. Although these laws exist the discretion to make an arrest lies almost exclusively in the hands of police. The courts are not immune to re-victimizing victims of domestic violence. There is history of legalized spousal abuse. For instance, under English common laws men had a legal right to beat their spouses with an instrument as long as it was not bigger than a thumb. In modern law, domestic violence is not tolerated but is very much neglected. Traditionally, prosecutors are zealous in prosecuting domestic violence cases even after police arrested suspected perpetrators. The reluctance that the courts have on these cases is that domestic violence is a family problem unless there is serious injury, victims will not follow through, and little is to be gained by victims or perpetrators. There is also the concern of depriving a family of the “bread winner,” which is typically the abuser. Urban and Rural Criminal Justice SystemAs previously mentioned, it is my opinion that there is no difference in domestic violence among women in rural and urban/suburban regions. However, in terms of seeking protection assistance from the criminal justice system there are some distinct differences. It appears that battered women living in rural regions have a more difficult experience in seeking protection. Isolation factors play a significant role in why rural women do not seek protection from the criminal justice system as do women in urban/suburban regions. Due to homo...
