A feminist inquiry into intimate partner violence law, policy, policing, and possible prejudices in Alaska. Journal of Law and Conflict Resolution Vol. 5(2), pp. 24-32, February, 2013

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Claudine Dombrowski‘s insight:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) correlates to patriarchal attitudes and disproportionately affects women.
Previously, feminists fought IPV by using the criminal justice system. Now, feminists are examining the
criminological data, and questioning whether the criminal justice system treats IPV with patriarchal
attitudes and paternalistic policies that further diminish the power of women while continuing to favor
masculine gender roles. The State of Alaska’s treatment of IPV serves as a prime example of how
patriarchal attitudes, at best, lend to paternalistic justice even though the state judiciary and the ninth
circuit routinely and actively strive to implement social justice. In order to thwart IPV, feminists, law
makers, and the State of Alaska must retool attitudes and policies. This article discussed data which
demonstrates that patriarchal thinking and attitudes can contribute to IPV and examines how
patriarchal perspectives can underlie and shape IPV law and policy. It considers why it would be better
to preemptively redefine society instead of continuing to respond to IPV using patriarchal norms. If
patriarchal perspectives cannot be preempted, then the criminal justice system should respond to IPV
with feminist solutions. It also discusses the alternative, feminist solutions for dealing with IPV in the
criminal justice system and concluded on the argument and calling for action.

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