Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025

Using a Virtual Reality Walking Simulator to Investigate Pedestrian Behavior
Published on: June 9, 2020
Spatial and Temporal Distance Between the Victim and Offender as a Factor in Protective Order Violations: How Much
Lawrence L Bench1, Terry Allen1, Emily Douglas1
1University of Utah, Utah, USA.
Abstract:
Research on the effectiveness of protective orders indicates that they have only marginal protective value for the victim. This exploratory study investigated how the physical distance and temporal distance between the victim and offender corresponds to the percent of protective order violations. Results indicated that the percent of protective order violations was reduced to virtually zero when the victim and offender lived 25 miles or more apart. Surprisingly, this condition held for all types of contacts examined (physical, telephone, and cyber). The study concludes with a discussion of the policy implications of the findings and suggestions for future research.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Influencing Attraction I: Proximity
Bystander Effect
Factors Influencing Attraction II: Physical Attraction
Zones of Protection
Protective zones are defined by closed dashed lines, containing one or more components. A key characteristic of these zones is the strategic placement of...
Design Example: Measuring Distance Between Two Points with Obstructions
Distance Corrections

