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.