Ideas for Advocates
 Working With DV Victims of Police Officers

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).

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 her safety.
• Discuss how it will affect her if there is a change in the officer's employment status as a result of her obtaining an Order of Protection.
• Discuss how it will affect her if the department disciplines the abuser if her complaint is sustained (suspension, loss of pay, termination).

Ask the victim:

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

Discuss with the victim:

• Discuss her civil rights to receive protection from the department in the jurisdiction in which she lives.

• Discuss the pros and cons of talking to the media.

• If she goes to the department, make a safety plan for the period of time during which the investigation takes place.

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