Police Officers and Spousal Violence

Abstract

Violence in families received attention beginning in the 1970s; but scholars did not identify police officer-perpetrated family violence as a problem until the 1990s. This chapter examines organizational culture, cost and rewards structure, and occupational gendering to explain how domestic violence among police remained hidden for so long. Discussion includes empirical and qualitative documentation of police spouse abuse; unique reporting challenges family victims encounter when officers abuse; the academic, legislative, and departmental measures taken to end the violence; and model policies and programs. The author emphasizes the importance of recognizing work-family linkages and suggests ideas for career-long prevention programs for officers and their families.

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