Weapons and Force

Constant presence of weapons in home. Uses service weapon, baton, handcuffs, other "tools of trade" in abuse. Uses arm locks, choke holds to subdue with no marks or bruises.

Psychological Threats

Threatens to hurt family, friends. Knows how to commit perfect crime and criminals can do his dirty work. Threatens to kill her and himself if she costs him his job.

Personal Impact

Friends, family, service providers doubt her credibility. She is part of police family. High potential for lethality. Loss of privacy and protection: phone taps, surveillance, tracking devices on car.

Officer as Victim

Greater potential for lethality. No one believes officer can be victim. Ostracized by colleagues, no longer trusted, broke Code of Silence. Shelter and service providers not trained or fear to provide help.

Training Advantages

What makes him a good officer makes him a dangerous abuser. Intimidates by presence alone: uniform, stance, voice. Uses command interrogation voice to intimidate, threaten. Trained to use body as weapon.

Police Response

He is the police. RO's automatically respond to "officer in distress."  Often no department policy so colleagues use own discretion. Her word against his as a police officer.

Knowledge of Law and Court

He knows court procedures and personnel. Presents self well in court: knows what to say and not to say. No one expects him to perjure as he's sworn to uphold law.

Lack of Shelter and Resources

Usual support untrained, unwilling, unavailable to help. Abuser knows shelter locations. Friends and family refuse to help for fear or she refuses to endanger them.