Ideas for Advocates 

If you are an advocate, these are some things you need to consider when working with victims of police abusers: 

• Establish the types of abuse, its severity, frequency, and latest incident.
• Clarify what types of abuse are against the law. A specialized intake form checklist may be useful. (While some types of abuse do not constitute domestic battery, they are a misuse of police equipment or police privilege for which the department is liable).
• Familiarize yourself with the disciplinary procedures of the local police department where the abuser works.

Review with the victim the department's policy and procedures for officer-involved family violence:

• Discuss the pros and cons of disclosing to the department.
• Discuss the possible ways the policy (or lack of one) will affect safety.
• Discuss how it will affect the victim if there is a change in the officer's employment status as a result of obtaining an Order of Protection.
• Discuss how it will affect the victim if the department disciplines the abuser should a complaint be sustained (suspension, loss of pay, termination).

Ask the victim:

• Does the victim think he or she will be safer or in more danger if the abuser loses job?
• What does the victim think the abuser will do to them if abuser loses job?
• What does the victim think the abuser will do to them if allowed to remain on the job?

Discuss with the victim:

• Discuss his or her civil rights to receive protection from the department in the jurisdiction in which the victim resides.
• Discuss the pros and cons of talking to the media.
• If the victim goes to the department, make a safety plan for the period of time during which the investigation takes place.

Life Span welcomes ideas that advocates may have as to how to better serve this population of victims.  Please e-mail or call with thoughts or suggestions.