The purpose of this presentation is to present a framework which examines the context of intimate partner violence in police families. This framework guides the collection of empirical data from which to base prevention programs. It can also be used to examine the context of violence in other high-risk populations. Law enforcement officers, by the nature of their paramilitary work, use physical and psychological force. Day-to-day exposure to and the use of violence pose a significant challenge and can exacerbate the risk of domestic abuse. Much attention has been paid to the need to identify police officers at risk for the use of excessive force at work, to prevent its use, and to identify factors that contribute to its use. While there is legislation that disciplines police officers when domestic violence becomes apparent, there is little empirical evidence on which to base prevention and early intervention efforts. There is no evidence that any efforts have been made to address the needs of their families. When police officers are protected by a "blue wall of silence," their families are isolated as well. Little is known about the psychological vulnerability and day-to-day impact of domestic violence on women involved in these interpersonal relationships. Intimate partners are faced with unique barriers to health care and police resources. By using a framework that incorporates a) intimate partners, b) police officers, c) police departments and d) community and political resources; researchers, clinicians and policy makers will have the comprehensive approach needed to address this problem.
Learning Objectives: At the end of this session the participant will have had the opportunity to: 1. Describe an ecological framework for the conceptualization of domestic violence experiences in police families 2. Recognize the interrelationships among intimate partners, police officers, the police department, the community, health care and law enforcement support systems and the larger socio-culutural context. 3. Apply the framework to other family violence situations involving members of at-risk professions
Keywords: Domestic Violence, Workplace Stressors
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.