Perceptions of Police Responses to Domestic Violence

• In Event: Policing Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Domestic violence, also known as, intimate partner violence (IPV), has become an epidemic in the United States. According to the Center for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), about 24 women and men are victimized by an intimate partner each minute, equaling about 12 million victims every year (2012b). In recent years, the public has become more aware of IPV situations. An increase in public service announcements has helped to inform the public and has brought these dangerous situations out from behind closed doors. In the age of technology, information is more easily distributed and exchanged which has also increased public awareness. Police departments have also become more diligent about addressing IPV in homes. The implementation and use of lethality assessments in police departments around the country has led to more efficient police responses and increased the number of victims identified to be in lethal relationships (Campbell, 1995).This research is intended to explore public knowledge about IPV and examine the public’s support for new police policies directing officer responses to IPV calls for service. Furthermore, this paper will seek to connect the relationship between public awareness and support of police actions.

Authors

• Kelly R. Stout, University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• Margaret Alexis Kennedy, University of Nevada, Las Vegas