Applied criminology research

Applied criminology research

Therapeutic Jurisprudence: A Strategy for a Radical Response to Domestic Violence

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Associate Professor, Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities, University of kashan, kashan, Iran. Email: ghomashi@kashanu.ac.ir
2 Ph.D. Student in Criminal Law and Criminology Department of Law, Faculty of Humanities and Law, Kashan University, Kashan, Iran. (Corresponding Author). Email: omid_motaghi@yahoo.com
10.22034/aqcr.2025.2069791.1101
Abstract
Field and Aims: This article critically examines the shortcomings of traditional criminal justice responses to domestic violence and introduces the effective model of domestic violence courts within the common law legal system. It also explores the concept and strategies of Therapeutic Jurisprudence, which provide the theoretical foundation for these courts. The objective of this course is to establish a framework for localizing this common law model by analyzing effective responses to domestic violence and elucidating their key theoretical underpinnings.
Method: The study employed a descriptive-analytical approach based on comprehensive library research. Information was gathered from reputable scientific sources, including books, journals, and websites, and analyzed through logical reasoning.
Findings and Conclusions: The findings indicate that several factors contribute to the ineffectiveness of traditional approaches within the criminal justice system. These factors include the conflict between the goals of traditional punitive measures and the necessity of preserving family integrity, the adversarial nature of trials, a focus on punishment rather than problem-solving, and the neglect of physical and psychological harm resulting from criminal interventions. In contrast, domestic violence courts, informed by Therapeutic Jurisprudence and incorporating strategies such as a Trauma-Informed Practice, non-adversarial trials, a focus on addressing root causes, interdisciplinary collaboration, and procedural justice, have significantly reduced the recurrence of domestic violence while upholding family integrity. By promoting the well-being of both parties, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring the safety and empowerment of victims, this model mitigates the anti-therapeutic effects of traditional approaches and effectively addresses the underlying causes of domestic violence.
Keywords

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Volume 3, Issue 9
Autumn 2025
Pages 31-54

  • Receive Date 25 August 2025
  • Revise Date 12 November 2025
  • Accept Date 16 November 2025
  • First Publish Date 22 November 2025
  • Publish Date 22 November 2025