Women victims of domestic violence at the margins of the criminal justice system: sureties to keep the peace (810 Cr. C.)
Sureties to keep the peace (810 Cr.C.) are a commonly used measure in cases of domestic violence, and their use has increased in recent years. Both a judicial and an extrajudicial measure, the “810” is not a conviction but a preventive and non-punitive measure that does not result in a criminal record for the defendant. Despite its frequent use, few studies have examined victims’ experiences with the 810 to determine if is effective in meeting their need for security. We examine the context in which the 810 is used in cases of domestic violence and the reasons that women agree to its use. Our findings show that use of the 810 in the criminal prosecution of domestic violence helps to keep women who are victims of domestic violence on the periphery of the justice system.