09:30 - 11:10
P6-S159
Room: 1A.12
Chair/s:
Helen Rabello Kras
Discussant/s:
Leire Rincon, Helen Rabello Kras
Exploring the Effects of Intimate Partner Violence Courts on Convictions in Gender Violence Cases
P6-S159-2
Presented by: Carmen Ramírez-Folch
Carmen Ramírez-Folch 1, Joan-Josep Vallbé 2
1 European University Institute
2 University of Barcelona
This paper explores the effects of specialized Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) courts on judicial convictions and related outcomes in cases of gender-based violence. While existing literature has focused on how the existence of IPV courts influences the demand side—specifically, the reporting of gender violence—less is known about their impact on the supply side, particularly whether these courts increase convictions and enhance judicial outcomes. We hypothesize that IPV courts also influence judicial outcomes by fostering specialization among judges, enabling them to evaluate evidence more effectively and resolve cases more efficiently. To analyze this effect, we use data on conviction rates, protection orders, and victim support measures from Spanish judicial districts spanning 2005 to 2023, sourced from the General Council of the Judiciary (GCPJ). Employing a staggered Difference-in-Differences (DiD) approach, we compare districts with and without IPV courts, leveraging population thresholds and temporal variation in court establishment to identify causal effects. This research addresses a critical gap by exploring the judicial mechanisms that influence the effectiveness of specialized IPV courts.
Keywords: Gender Violence, IPV courts, judicial behavior, judicial convictions, protection orders

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