An impact evaluation found that in flagrante delicto arrests of suspects reduced recidivism/revictimization by 51% (measured through new domestic violence emergency calls in the year following the intervention). The authors note that this reduction is not the result of a decrease in reporting due to fear of retaliation, but an actual decrease in repeat victimization. The study was based on police response to about 124,000 emergency calls related to domestic violence over 10 years.
In terms of mechanisms, the study concluded that arrest virtually eliminates the peak of revictimization that typically occurs within 48 hours of an emergency call. In other words, detention of the suspect provides a period of interregnum during a volatile and risky time, which offers better protection conditions for the victim. The authors also point to a considerable long-term deterrent effect, which is reinforced by the fact that the arrest increases the likelihood that the offender will be prosecuted for the crime [1].