By Leischen Stelter, managing editor of In Public Safety
In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, American Military University (AMU) faculty and staff members will share research and first-hand experiences regarding investigative practices. The goal is to help agencies and officers across the country ensure that those who commit domestic violence are held accountable and victims receive the assistance they need.
According to the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV), domestic violence is often a pattern of abusive behaviors that include physical, sexual, and psychological attacks by one intimate partner against another. This abuse is used to gain, maintain, or regain power and control in the relationship. Many batterers use of a range of tactics to frighten, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, and, sometimes, kill a current or former intimate partner.
Here are some recent statistics on domestic violence:
- Women ages 18 to 34 are at greatest risk of becoming victims of domestic violence.
- More than 4 million women experience physical assault and rape by their partners.
- In 2 out of 3 female homicide cases, females are killed by a family member or intimate partner.
- Women aren’t the only victims of domestic violence. Men are the victims of nearly 3 million physical assaults in the U.S.
Most domestic violence incidents are not reported. This is largely because more than 60 percent of domestic violence incidents happen at home.
So what can police learn about domestic violence to help them identify cases and conduct proper investigations to ensure that abusers are punished? Below are articles written by AMU faculty members to help law enforcement recognize and help stop domestic violence.
What Does Domestic Violence Look Like?
Victims of this crime can be of any gender, sexual orientation, age, or religion. Individuals in opposite-sex and same-sex relationships can be victims of domestic violence. AMU’s Dr. Ron Wallace provides an overview of DV and how to learn more this month.
Interview Questions for Victims of Domestic Violence
AMU criminal justice professor Gary Minor highlights two sets of questions that police officers should ask potential domestic violence victims to help build a case against an abuser.
Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence: What’s The Difference?
Dr. Ron Wallace discusses the concept of intimate partner violence and why it’s important to acknowledge that abuse can exist regardless of sexual orientation, marital status, or gender.
The Challenges of Domestic Violence Investigations
Domestic violence investigations are much different than any other type of police investigation. The intrinsic difficulties of domestic situations, especially recurring ones, can be stressful on officer. Here’s how officers can stay safe and be better prepared to investigate these calls.
The Need for a Robust Victim Assistance Program
AMU professor Dr. Jade Pumphrey, who volunteers as a victim assistant, discusses the importance of agencies instituting a robust victim assistance program by working closely with community organizations and local volunteers.
Are Victims of Domestic Violence Getting the Services They Need? Annual Survey Sheds Light
An important first step to ending the cycle of violence is ensuring services are available when victims reach the point that they are ready for help.
Situational and Cultural Factors Influencing Intimate Partner Violence
Understanding how domestic violence is influenced by situational and cultural factors can help authorities identify individuals who are most susceptible.
Victimology and Understanding Domestic Violence
With the rise in domestic violence, there is a greater need to understand why and to what extent certain individuals become victims. AMU’s Dr. Jade Pumphrey discusses the study of victimology and why it’s important to understand the role that victims play in their victimization and how this has led to some important legislation.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence goes far beyond the stereotype of the bruised woman. AMU’s Dr. Ron Wallace discusses the four ways that victims can be abused.
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