CASE DISMISSED
- Beth Donahue
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 21
Analysis of Domestic Violence Case Dismissal Rates and Offender Characteristics in Clark County, Ohio (2022): Implications for Forensic Practice
Beth Donahue
Springfield Domestic Violence Coalition
beth@ springfielddvc.com
Abstract
Domestic violence (DV) case attrition, particularly through dismissals, poses significant challenges to the criminal justice system and victim safety. Understanding the factors contributing to high dismissal rates is crucial for improving system responses. This study analyzed 238 DV-related court cases involving 187 unique offenders processed in Clark County, Ohio, during 2022. Data were extracted from public court records and police reports, focusing on charge types, case outcomes, offender characteristics, relationship types, and processing times. Findings revealed an overall case dismissal rate of 73.9%, with misdemeanor cases reaching 77.8%. A substantial proportion of offenders had documented prior (58.8%) or subsequent (60.1%) DV case involvement by the end of 2023, indicating high recidivism. Intimate partner violence constituted the majority of cases (79.8%). Compared to reported rates in larger metropolitan areas like New Orleans, San Antonio, and New York City, Clark County's dismissal rates appear notably high, particularly for a smaller jurisdiction. While specific reasons for dismissal (e.g., prosecutorial discretion, witness issues) require further investigation due to data limitations, the high attrition rate underscores potential issues in evidence sufficiency, victim participation, and case processing. These findings highlight the need for enhanced data collection and suggest areas where forensic science, through improved evidence documentation, analysis of victim dynamics, and understanding injury patterns, could contribute to strengthening DV case prosecution and improving effective interventions.
Keywords: domestic violence, case dismissal, intimate partner violence, recidivism, criminal justice system, forensic science, Clark County, Ohio
NOTE: The City of Springfield had 513 Domestic Violence Arrests in 2024, the Highest ever in the history of the Springfield Police Department. In 2015, Springfield had 1,758 Domestic Violence incidents, yet the Springfield Police Department accomplished only 432 arrests. Based on a 2022 national crime victimization survey (NCVS) conducted by the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), it indicates that (68%) of violent victimizations go unreported to the police nationally. The same (NCVS) survey reports that a little over half (51.1%) of all domestic violence incidents go unreported to law enforcement. Based on OBCI data and the research in this report, Springfield has an epidemic of domestic violence.
In 2022, according to OBCI, when it comes to reported Domestic Violence incidents, the Springfield Police Department reported that 71.5% of those incidents had victims who were injured. From 2015 to 2022, Domestic violence incidents with victim-related injuries increased from 22.9% to 71.5% of incidents.
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