Justice system

The police officer's role

DV calls are some of the hardest cases officers face. Knowing what they're navigating helps you become a powerful partner in your own protection.

Four challenges officers face

Predominant aggressor

On many DV calls, both people may be injured, both emotional, both claiming to be the victim. Officers must determine who poses the greater threat — not just who struck first.

Why it's difficult

Both parties may have visible injuries.
People lie under stress.
Abusers may manipulate the scene to appear as the victim.
Victims may have used force defensively and look like the aggressor.

Example

A woman slaps her partner during an argument; he responds by choking her. Though she struck first, he may still be the predominant aggressor based on the level of violence and pattern of control.

Officer's role

Consider size, strength, prior DV history, witness statements, and fear level.
Avoid dual arrests unless absolutely necessary.

Evidence collection

DV often happens behind closed doors with little physical evidence. Victims may clean up, minimize injuries, or refuse photos.

Why it's difficult

Injuries may be internal or delayed (especially strangulation).
Victims may be uncooperative due to fear or trauma bonding.
Texts, photos, or recordings may be deleted or withheld.

Example

A victim says 'I'm fine, I just want him to leave,' but there's a hole in the wall and her voice is shaking. Without photos or recordings, it becomes hard to prove later in court.

Officer's role

Photograph everything — injuries, property damage, the scene.
Collect 911 audio, body-camera footage, and excited utterances.
Document demeanor, inconsistencies, and the physical environment in detail.

Witness cooperation & credibility

Neighbors, children, and even victims may be reluctant or untruthful. Fear, financial dependency, or emotional ties can make people minimize or deny abuse.

Why it's difficult

Children may be traumatized or coached.
Neighbors may not want to get involved.
Victims may protect their abuser or themselves.

Example

A victim tells officers her partner punched her, but later says, 'I fell down the stairs.' Without independent witnesses or visible injury, prosecution becomes much harder.

Officer's role

Stay trauma-informed and nonjudgmental.
Build rapport and gather corroborating evidence.
Use body-worn cameras to preserve original statements.

Confined actions

Officers are bound by strict legal requirements and policies. To victims, these can look like apathy — when in truth the officer is navigating constitutional limits to avoid jeopardizing the case.

Why it's difficult

Without probable cause, an arrest may not be lawful.
Due process protects both the victim and the accused.
Victim statements alone may not meet the standard for arrest, especially if the victim recants.
Procedures (notifying a supervisor, waiting for an advocate) can delay action.

Example

A victim reports abuse but refuses a statement or photos, and there are no visible injuries or witnesses. Despite real concern, the officer may be legally unable to make an arrest in that moment.

Officer's role

Clearly explain what can and cannot be done within the law.
Document everything to support a case that may be filed later.
Offer protective measures — emergency orders, shelters, follow-up welfare checks.
What looks like 'doing nothing' may be everything legally allowed in that moment.

Help law enforcement help you

Officers need details, patterns, and documentation. You can be the single most powerful source of all three.

Pro tip

After an incident, text your partner about what happened. Don't accuse — phrase it so they're likely to respond truthfully and not deny it. Example: "It really hurt when you hit me in the eye. Can you pick up an ice pack?"

Create a threat log

Record every incident: date, time, location, what was said or done, witnesses, and emotional impact (fear, anxiety).

Save and organize evidence

Folders (physical or digital) for voicemails, texts, social media messages, emails, screenshots, and call logs.

Explain context

Patterns ('He always texts right after I drop off the kids'), triggers ('He sends threats when I don't respond'), and history (it supports that the threat is credible).

Help prosecution build the case

Pro tip

If you do not want contact, be clear in writing once: "Do not contact me anymore." Then do not respond to any further messages.

Keep all communication — don't delete

Use apps like VictimsVoice, DocuSAFE, or a hidden Google Drive. Text a friend the details with photos. If you absolutely must delete from your phone, make sure your friend doesn't.

Use technology responsibly

Recording in-person conversations is only legal in some states (1-party vs. 2-party consent). Hidden cameras inside your own home can be a powerful record.

Request police reports — even for small incidents

Every report builds a timeline and a credible pattern. Patterns can fall under hearsay exceptions and be admissible in court.