Confronting the Complexities of Domestic Violence: A Social Prescription for Rethinking Police Training

Abstract

This article reviews current research on domestic violence with an eye toward its use in developing state-of-the-art police training. The authors argue that four general presuppositions about domestic violence need to be reexamined to develop adequate police training that enhances detection, investigation, and prosecution of these crimes. Chief among these presuppositions are: (a) there is only one kind of domestic violence; (b) most domestic violence is relatively minor; (c) domestic violence is the same as other crimes; and (d) domestic violence calls are extraordinarily dangerous for police officers. We conclude that training on domestic violence is essential, given the changing nature of domestic violence legislation, the unique attention given to police responses, and the unique nature of the crime.

The police patrols and children experiencing domestic violence

“…In the USA, for example, police have been blamed for not reporting child maltreatment cases to the relevant authorities (Osofsky et al, 2004), and police training and responses criticized for being gauged to severe violent acts (Eigenberg, Kappeler, & McGuffee, 2012) when in fact 'the hallmarks of violence in abuse cases are its frequency and duration, not its severity' (Stark, 2012, p. 201). However, in recent years, there has been progress in police handling of domestic violence issues, in regard to both identification and response.…”

Police officers’ definitions and understandings of intimate partner violence in New Brunswick, Canada

“…The use of a risk assessment tool encourages consistency in police risk appraisal and investigation (Ballucci et al ., 2017). Training is critical for police officers in the area of IPV to better understand its unique nature (Eigenberg et al ., 2012), the complexity and the determination of the issue, the application of the legislation, and police officers responsibilities.…”

“…Assessing risk is an important part of the decision-making process to identify IPV and appraise the risk of further or severe violence when police respond to IPV situations (Messing and Campbell, 2016). It is then fundamental for police officers to clearly understand the complexity of the issue (Eigenberg et al ., 2012) to exercise their judgment appropriately. We know there is also “[…] a wide range of abusive behaviors that can be used to terrorize the victim and that do not involve the use of physical force” (Shepard and Campbell, 1992: 291).…”

Police Responses to Cases of Officer-Involved Domestic Violence: The Effects of a Brief Web-Based Training

“…705/7(a), 2015). Researchers have called training for police on responding to domestic violence 'essential' (Eigenberg et al, 2012), and have heralded its marked improvement over the last several decades (Buzawa, 2012), noting that most police academies now have at least some training on domestic violence. The federal government has also made major efforts related to officer training and policy development through its STOP grant program since the Violence Against Women Act was passed (U.S. Department of Justice, Office on Violence Against Women, 2014).…”