Unintended Consequences: Addressing the Impact of Domestic Violence Mandatory and Pro-Arrest Policies and Practices on Girls and Young Women

Abstract

The OJJDP-funded National Girls Initiative and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) convened a roundtable of advocates to discuss the unintended consequences of mandatory and pro-arrest policies for domestic violence on girls and young women. Out of that convening arose this summary report, Unintended Consequences: Addressing the Impact of Domestic Violence Mandatory and Pro-Arrest Policies and Practices on Girls and Young Women. Our hope is that this summary report fuels a conversation about the unintended consequences and impact of mandatory and pro-arrest domestic violence policies on girls, young women, and women, as well as the disproportionate impact on communities of color. Additionally, it identifies possible areas for future policy and practice reform through collaboration between juvenile justice advocates, advocates for girls, and domestic violence advocates.