The Mediating Effect of Social Support on Domestic Violence by Police Officers

• In Event: Behind Bars and Badges: Understanding the Role of Social Ties and Supports in Policing and Incarceration

Abstract

While the vast majority of law enforcement dedicate their lives to protecting others, a disturbing hidden trend reveals that some officers inflict violence within their own homes. This raises a crucial question: what can be done to break this cycle and prevent police officers from becoming perpetrators of abuse? Cullen (1994) argues that “the more social support in a person’s social network, the less crime will occur.” Traditional methods, like internal investigations and disciplinary action, focus primarily on consequences after the harm is done. This reactive approach, while necessary, overlooks a critical factor: the role of social support in preventing violence in the first place. Just as robust support systems empower victims of domestic violence to leave abusive relationships, strong social networks can act as a barrier to violence for officer perpetrators. Using data collected with 1,106 sworn police officers from each of the Baltimore City police precincts and from the Baltimore City police headquarters during 1997 and 1999, this study tests Cullen’s Social Support Theory by analyzing the mediating effect of social support on domestic violence by police officers. Implications and limitations will be discussed.

Authors

• Jeong Lim Kim, Mercy University

• Hyoungah Park, Saint Peter's University