Strategies that can minimize the risk of domestic violence

The study is aimed at examining various strategies that can minimize the risk of domestic violence. It can be described as a descriptive study that should illustrate common certain social or behavioral trends; nevertheless the scholars do not generalize their findings. The experiment conducted by the authors throws light on the three stages of the research circle. At first, it is important to mention the use of the so-called deterrence theory according to which punishment decreases recidivism.

Secondly, this theoretical framework gives rise to a hypothesis according to which arrest can reduce the risk of recidivism of domestic violence among men who abused their wives or children (Sherman & Berk, 1984). This is the main assumption that had to be tested. It should be noted that the efficiency of this method was compared to other interventions, namely the separation of spouses and counseling (Sherman & Berk, 1984). Later, researchers proceeded to the collection and analysis of data that could refute or support their hypothesis. In particular, they conducted an experiment that included a set of dependent and independent variables.

For instance, one can speak about deterrence methods such as arrest, counseling or separation as the main independent variable and the rate of recidivism as the dependent variable. In turn, the results of the experiment indicate that arrest is a more effective intervention because it has the lowest rate of recidivism. In particular, only, ten percent of men, who were arrested, repeated violence (Sherman & Berk, 1984, p. 7). These examples illustrate the first three stages of the research circle.