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Understanding witness reporting of intimate partner violence

Author

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  • Echavarri, Rebeca
  • García-Prado, Ariadna
  • Gutierrez-Navratil, Fernanda
  • Martinez-de-Morentin, Sara

Abstract

We conducted an incentivized experiment to evaluate the impact of anonymity (witness and aggressor) and institution type (whether or not it has legal enforcement) on witness propensity to report Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). We used a hypothetical vignette that placed subjects in the role of witnesses to a case of IPV, who must decide whether or not to report IPV in four different treatments involving variations in anonymity conditions and type of institution. We find that preserving aggressor anonymity and being able to report to a legal enforcement institution (police as opposed to social services) promote witness reporting. Additionally, we examined the underlying assumption that fear drives these outcomes by designing a laboratory experiment in which fear is elicited by exposing subjects to a horror short. The results show that fear reduces reporting, and aggressor anonymity offsets the effect of fear.

Suggested Citation

  • Echavarri, Rebeca & García-Prado, Ariadna & Gutierrez-Navratil, Fernanda & Martinez-de-Morentin, Sara, 2026. "Understanding witness reporting of intimate partner violence," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 181(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:eecrev:v:181:y:2026:i:c:s0014292125002582
    DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2025.105208
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