Violent Offenders on Probation

Abstract

Using data from a sample of discharged adult probationers, the authors compared the probationers' profiles, sentencing conditions, and outcomes for offenders convicted of domestic violence and other violent crimes. Analyses revealed a number of differences between the two groups, particularly regarding prior substance abuse histories, the length and conditions of probation sentences, and the degree to which probationers committed new offenses against their original victims. Regarding traditional measures of probation outcomes, such as rearrests, technical violations, and probation revocations, there were no differences that could be attributed to the conviction offense. The findings have implications for future research on how domestic violence offenders are handled in probation as well as policy, from the standpoint that domestic violence offenders tend to receive relatively short periods of probation supervision and, despite treatment being frequently ordered, they are more likely to revictimize the same individuals even while under correctional supervision.