The Importance of Domestic Violence Reform in First World Countries

Globally, 1 in every 3 women has experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), and the impact of this prevalent issue extends beyond the boundaries of developed and underdeveloped nations. In the United States, 22% of women have endured IPV, while in New Zealand, this figure stands at 24%. Despite the availability of national resources, frameworks adopted by developed countries are presumed to provide effective interventions through their judicial systems and policies. However, judicial injustices frequently allow perpetrators to persist in their violent behaviors without facing substantial consequences. Measures such as restraining orders or no-contact orders often fail to deter offenders effectively. This project aims to compare two specific cases of IPV-related tragedies: the Auckland murder-suicide in New Zealand, described as a "tragic example of the epidemic of intimate partner violence," and the Iowa case in the United States, where police repeatedly ignored a restraining order prior to a woman's murder. By examining these cases, the project seeks to raise awareness about the disparities between the policies and judicial systems of both countries. Ultimately, the goal is to recommend effective intervention frameworks that can address and mitigate the prevalence of IPV.