The law requires officers to arrest suspects of domestic violence assault if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe that the assault was between family or household members, it resulted in or threatened injury, and it happened within the 4 hours before the officer's investigation. The law requires officers to arrest suspects for violating court orders if the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the suspect violated the order. If an officer cannot find the suspect, the officer cannot make an arrest. Also, if the officer doesn't have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime was committed, the officer cannot arrest anyone. But I Don't Want Him or Her to Go to Jail.
Domestic violence is destructive behavior intended to control others.
Studies show that without intervention, domestic violence escalates. With a conviction, the court can intervene. The judge can order the abuser to complete domestic violence prevention courses. These programs can help stop future worse violence. Without a conviction, the court cannot help, and many abusers will continue the abuse.