Understanding Police Response in Intimate Partner Violence Research Before COVID-19: A Systematic Review of Studies Using Police Response as an Outcome Variable

Abstract

To provide an overview of research trends and commonly measured variables in intimate partner violence (IPV) studies before COVID-19, this study conducted a systematic review to examine how various types of police responses to IPV have been studied and what factors influence the outcomes of those responses. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases using predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-P guidelines, 1,259 articles initially identified were filtered and screened for relevance. The final set of 23 selected articles was independently coded following the developed coding scheme, and all codings were cross-checked and validated to ensure accuracy and consistency. The systematic review found that the majority of the selected studies focused on identifying the factors associated with police response to IPV (69.5%), used a quantitative research design (91.3%), and utilized secondary data (91.3%). Notably, 70% of the studies did not incorporate a theoretical framework. Arrest was the most frequently tested outcome variable in police response, appearing in 91.3% of the studies. Additionally, 65% of the studies offered one or more practical policy recommendations. This study also highlighted a gap in the literature, underscoring the need for research that examines dynamic and different types of police responses to IPV. By identifying prevailing research trends, commonly used methodologies, and frequently measured variables, the study provides a comprehensive overview of how police responses have been studied as an outcome variable and what factors have been examined with it. The study findings advance academic understanding, future research directions, and policy development to improve police responses to IPV.