Transforming Domestic Violence Prosecution: Insights from Vanderbilt Law School
On February 28, a significant gathering took place at Vanderbilt Law School, where over 50 professionals, including prosecutors, researchers, nonprofit executives, and law students, convened to explore the future of domestic violence prosecution. This event, titled Domestic Violence Prosecution Innovation Day, was collaboratively organized by the Vanderbilt Project on Prosecution Policy (VPOPP) and the University of Connecticut’s Analysis, Research, and Modeling of Systems (UConn ARMS) initiative. The effort was supported by Arnold Ventures.
The Need for Change in Prosecution Methods
Many District Attorneys’ offices continue to utilize traditional prosecution methods, such as issuing protective orders and relying on victim testimony. However, these tactics frequently lack empirical data showing their effectiveness in enhancing victim safety.
A New Approach: Evidence-Based Prosecution
Professor Alissa Marque Heydari, who directs VPOPP, emphasized the crucial need for evidence-based practices in prosecuting domestic violence cases. “Far too often, prosecutors operate on instinct, doing things the way they’ve always been done,” she noted. The event at Vanderbilt aimed to shift this paradigm by integrating research into prosecutorial strategies. Participants were encouraged to explore innovative solutions backed by data, thus aiming to improve victim safety while ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
Interactive Workshops and Collaborative Learning
The Innovation Day featured dynamic workshops where attendees presented their ideas and received immediate feedback from experts and researchers in the field. Topics of discussion included:
- Analysis of domestic violence-related homicide rates across different jurisdictions
- Assessment of the effectiveness of restorative justice programs
Creating Partnerships for Progress
Heydari articulated the event’s objectives, stating, “Our goal was to create a space where prosecutors could challenge traditional assumptions, ask difficult questions, and build partnerships with researchers who can help measure the impact of their work.” She highlighted the diverse backgrounds and expertise of the attendees, united by a committed focus on addressing the challenges presented by domestic violence within communities.
About VPOPP and UConn ARMS
The Vanderbilt Project on Prosecution Policy (VPOPP) aims to improve system outcomes through a nonpartisan collaboration of prosecutors, researchers, and students. The project focuses on developing and implementing strategies that reduce unnecessary incarceration while enhancing public safety, especially in the southern United States.
UConn ARMS applies data analysis to justice system outcomes, aiming to inform policy decisions through a robust framework of research and analytics.
