Domestic Violence Involving Police Officers

When the Abuser is Also a Police Officer

As the victim of a police officer, your situation is very different than that of other victims of domestic violence.

You may be afraid to:

Call the police	because the abuser IS the police. You still need to call to start a complaint process that will hold the abuser accountable. You silence protects the abuser, not you.
Go to a shelter	because police officers know where the shelters are located. You must get to a safe place. When you go to a shelter, be sure to inform the staff about who the abuser is, so they can protect your privacy.
Have abuser arrested	because responding officers may invoke the code of silence. You may have to work up through the chain of command yourself and complain to police department administration.
Take the abuser to court	because it's your word against that of an officer, and a police officer who is an abuser, knows the system. You need your own attorney to assist you and advocate for your interests.
Seek a conviction	because the abuser will probably be terminated from employment and retaliate against you. You need to become familiar with the department's disciplinary procedures. Often a settlement can be negotiated that protects the abuser's job and keeps you safe.
File charges and then drop them	because you could lose future credibility and protection. You are the only one who can decide when to file criminal charges. Your decision to file charges is part of a larger strategy that you can discuss with your own attorney.

All of these approaches could increase your level of danger. Your safety is your most important consideration. You are the expert about what will work for your family. Remember if you do nothing it will only get worse. Your silence protects the abuser. A police abuser exploits your fear, knowing that if you do nothing, the abuser does not have to change. Once you start speaking to people outside the family, the abuser knows he or she will be held accountable.

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When the Abuser is Also a Police Officer