Policy changes since the 1980s obligate police officers to handle domestic violence cases as they would other criminal cases and require a community approach to stop the cycle of violence. If a domestic violence case is properly investigated, victim rights are protected, and the batterer is held accountable, the result is often a decrease in police service calls. In the course of an investigation, police officers need to gather evidence properly in order to obtain a conviction. Police responsibilities extend beyond making an arrest and include taking statements from the victim, children, neighbors, and others at the scene. Photographs represent an especially important source of evidence and may be key in obtaining a conviction. The successful prosecution of domestic violence cases depends on the police department's ability to work with other agencies, such as medical and social work agencies, in part because support needs to be provided in the form of victim and batterer counseling. Working domestic abuse cases properly at the front end can have a significant impact on families in the long term. In particular, taking a proactive position versus a reactive position can lower recidivism and ultimately reduce homicides resulting from domestic violence. 5 photographs