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Reports of Intimate Partner Violence Made Against Police Officers

NCJ Number
209691
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 20 Issue: 1 Dated: February 2005 Pages: 13-19
Author(s)
Melissa J. Erwin; Robyn R. M. Gershon; Michael Tiburzi; Susan Lin
Date Published
February 2005
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This comparative analysis explored the risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) among police officers.
Abstract
Previous research has suggested that domestic violence perpetration is a problem among police officers. Yet little is understood about why police officers who have sworn to protect the public’s safety would commit violence against their own intimate partners. The current analysis compared 106 police officers from a large urban police force who had been charged with committing IPV with 105 officers who had not been charged in order to identify risk factors for IPV among police officers. The analysis also compared the frequency, type, and final disposition of the IPV reports against police officers both before and after the 1994 enactment of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Variables under consideration included demographic information, accusations against perpetrators, administration of case disposition, and final criminal disposition. Results of statistical analyses suggested that officers accused of IVP were more likely to be minority members, have over 7 years experience on the police force, and be assigned to high crime areas. Following the enactment of VAWA, a significant increase was noted in reports of IVP. Most final dispositions resulted in closed cases because of unsupported testimony from victims. Future research should focus on barriers to sustainment of violence cessation among police officers. Tables, references