Law enforcement responses in domestic violence calls

Domestic violence is a universal problem that occurs regardless of socio-economic status, race, ethnicity, age, education, gender, or sexual preference. As first responders, police officers play a vital role in domestic violence calls. Police intervention during domestic violence calls is a critical point that can influence a victim's determination of whether leaving the perpetrator is possible. I spoke with two professionals who have experience with law enforcement responses to domestic violence: a staff member from a local nonprofit agency and an officer from a local police station. I also reviewed the literature regarding police responses to domestic violence calls. The main challenge for police when responding to domestic violence is their lack of proper training in the best practices for handling domestic violence. Police training that provides a more sensitive and culturally aware approach is necessary to improve the interactions between law enforcement and victims of domestic violence