Communities that have implemented coordinated response programmes describe a variety of positive outcomes including:
- increased coordination and communication,
- increased arrest rates,
- increased use of “real” penalties such as jail or probation,
- increased prosecution rates, reduction of dismissed charges,
- victim follow-through on prosecutions,
- increased prosecution rates, and
- increased victim satisfaction (Holder, 2001).
For example, a coordinated community response programme in the New Zealand city of Hamilton received very positive evaluations:
- the arrest rate in domestic violence incidents increased by two-thirds, though compliance with protocols was often low and required persistent monitoring;
- prosecutions generally were successful;
- sentencing of convicted offenders was consistent;
- perpetrators who completed the men’s programme were positive about it, despite initial resistance, and referrals to the programme increased by 83% in the second year, including self-referrals; and
- victims of domestic violence and their children were well-supported,
- victims’ safety was enhanced; and
- women were very satisfied with the intervention (Stewart, 2005; Robertson and Busch, 1993; Shepard and Pence, 1999).