Domestic Violence Case Study

In terms of Domestic Violence, our law enforcement officers are usually one of the first agencies to arrive at the scene where the domestic violence is taking place. Although most domestic violence appears to occur in the family home, it does not necessarily have to be the case. Domestic Violence can take place in public places such as restaurants, movie theatres, or shopping malls. As a police officer, their roles can be extremely vital for the future of the victim.

Historically police officers did not view domestic violence as “real” police work. Their attitude towards this type of crime was that a man had the right to do whatever he needed in order to control his wife, as if she was some type of property. This however, is no longer

It was also found, when police officers were dispatched to a call for service, their responses regarding domestic violence and non-domestic violence, remained about the same. One might ask why this is the case. In many instances where a police officer witnesses a couple in conflict, they might not know exactly what is taking place. Perhaps because of the officer’s personal beliefs and experiences, gender, race or education, he or she may, or may not, decide to intervene. One of the key factors that was found in terms of intervention, was how much training an officer acquired. On the other hand, if that same situation was received in a “call for service” (possibly called in by an innocent bystander), then the officer would then have no choice but to interact and find out what is going

Domestic violence alone goes beyond psychology and other individualistic approaches. Clear aspects of social, economic and cultural environments have led to such violence. In a study of 1,000 women ages 15 years and older, 36% had experienced emotional abuse while growing up, 43% has experienced some type of abuse as adolescents, and 39% have reported to experience emotional abuse in a relationship within the last five years (Kaukinen, 2004). Within relationships, violence arises from different backgrounds that influence such acts and what effects it may have on the victim short term and long term. Predominantly, the statistic among abuse is empowered over women by men. The underlying intentions behind all types of abuse correlated with domestic violence are the motive to gain power and control over one’s physical, mental, emotional ability. According to National Council on Family Relations, women who are more dependent on their husbands financially, who are unemployed and whom have lower income and who is less educated are at greater risk of violence and emotional abuse (Kaukinen, 2004, p.7). Abuse is strongly alive in environments economically as well such as when a male can prevent a woman from getting or keeping her job, or not letting her know and access financial income. This then leads to coercion and threats,