Special Considerations for Victims Who Work in Law Enforcement   

When a police officer is the victim of a civilian abuser...

• The abuser may maneuver you into drawing your weapon in self defense.
• Your career is jeopardized.
• Normal resources for help may not be available.
• You may be afraid to access medical care because health care providers may contact law enforcement.
• You may be afraid that use of your medical insurance will inform your employer of your situation.
• Fellow officers may no longer trust your ability to protect them; you may be perceived as unable to protect yourself.
• Department policy may mandate that fellow officers report knowledge of your situation, thereby prohibiting you from seeking their support.
• No one really believes that a police officer can be a victim.

When a police officer is the victim of a police officer abuser...

• Both parties have weapons.
• The abuser may maneuver you into drawing your weapon in self defense.
• You may not be believed because you do not fit the stereotype of a battered victim (passive, submissive, timid).
• Your career is jeopardized.
• You are perceived as a traitor because you broke the code of silence.
• You may be ostracized by colleagues.
• Response to your calls for back-up may not be timely.
• Normal resources for help are not available.
• The abuser and other officers may pressure you to quit your job.
• Fellow officers may perceive your presence to be a risk.
• You may be afraid to access medical care because health care providers may contact law enforcement.
• You may be afraid that use of your medical insurance will inform your employer of your situation.
• No one really believes that a police officer can be a victim.
• Code of silence forbids fellow officers from offering assistance to you or to criticize the abuser.

OFFICERS WHO ARE VICTIMS SHOULD CHECK DEPARTMENT POLICY

Department policy may mandate that fellow officers report knowledge of your situation, thereby prohibiting you from seeking their support. Department policy may mandate that you report knowledge of the abusive officer, whereby you could be disciplined for not reporting your own abuse.