2025 NC BLET Domestic Violence Response

89% of female victims were murdered by a male they knew

true

60% of female homicide victims were wives or intimate acquaintances of their killers

true

safe and succesful managment of domestic incidents relies heavily on an officer's attitude, knowledge, and skill sets

true

what happened at previous domestic incidents is not a reliable indicator of what will happen at a current incident involving the same individuals

true

Define Domestic Violence (obj 1)

aka intimate partner violence

is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another in an intimate partner relationship

types of domestic violence (obj 1)

1. Physical

2. Sexual

3. Emotional

4. Financial

5. Psychological

Define Physical Abuse (obj 1)

hitting, slapping, shoving, grabbing, pinching, biting, hair pulling

also includes denying a partner medical care or forcing alc or drug use upon them

Define Sexual Abuse (obj 1)

coercing or attempting to coerce any sexual contact or behavior w/o consent

includes marital rape, attacks on sexual parts of the body, forcing sex after physical violence, or treating one in a sexually demeaning manner

Define Emotional Abuse (obj 1)

Undermining an individual's sense of worth and self-esteem

includes constant criticism, diminishing one's abilities, name calling, or damaging one relationship with kids

Define Economic Abuse (obj 1)

Making or attempting to make an individual financially dependent by maintaining total control over financial resources, withholding access to money, or forbidding one's attendance to school or job

Define Psychological Abuse (obj 1)

causing fear by intimidation and threatening physcial harm to self, partner, child, or partner's fam or friends

also includes destroying pets and property and forcing isolation from fam, friends, school and work

Dynamics of Domestic Violence (obj 1): Power and Control

a pattern of increasing power and coercive control characterizes domestic violence. it is a continuum of behavior ranging from verbal abuse, economic exploitation, sexual abuse, bodily assaults, persistent harassment, and homicide

how many times does the average domestic violence victim leave an offender before leaving the relationship for good

7 times

Emotional and situational factor ("why I stayed") (obj 1)

1. Economic dependence

2. lack of visible resources

3. threats to separate the family

4. fear of the consequences (physical harm or losing custody)

5. inability to recognize a healthy relationship

6. shame/guilt

7. attachment

8. fear of making decisions independently

9. cultural or religious beliefs

10. feeling responsible for breaking up their children's family

11. threat to spread rumors/threat to expose sexuality

12. low self-esteem

13. belief the abuser needs their help

14. language barriers

15. belief LE wont take them seriously

16. threats to harm pets

17. lack of job skills

18. social isolation and lack of support

examples of abuser behavior (obj 1)

1. abusers mask false goes and fear of loss which drive need for power and control

2. often blow up in anger at small incidents and are easily insulted

3. are excessively jealous

4. like to isolate the victim

5. have a poor self-image and are insecure

6. blame others for their own problems

7. blame others for their own feelings and are very manipulative

8. often are alcohol and drug abusers

9. may have a family history of abuse

10. may be cruel to animals/children

11. may have a fascination with weapons

12. may think its ok to solve problems with violence

13. often make threats of violence, breaking, or striking objects

14. often use physical force during arguments

15. often use threats such as "ill slap your mouth off" or "ill kill you"

16. may hold rigid stereotypical views on gender roles

17. are very controlling of others

-coercive control is the pattern of behavior or actions used by a perpetrator to frighten, threaten, oppress of limit their victim

18. may act out instead of expressing emotions verbally

19. may be quick to start relationships

20. may use "playful" force during sex/ act out sexual fantasies where the victim is helpless

21. may say things that are intentionally cruel and hurtful to degrade, humiliate or run down the victim's accomplishments

22. tend to be moody and unpredictable

23. may have unrealistic expectations

24. may have a history of bettering, admits to hitting others but claims the victim "asked for it" or was protecting themselves

-An abuser will abuse the partner they are with: situational circumstances do not make a person abusive

bad faith reports may be made if the "assumed victim" thinks they benefit from an alleged DVPO

true

abusers are very skilled at manipulating victims to stay in the relationship and not to participate in their prosecution

true

officers should note that an arrest for a violation of a DVPO must be based upon probable cause that the defendant has not complied with the order

true

the officer should consult with their superiors or a judicial official about the proper response to a false report

officers should not arrest the reporting party for violating the DVPO w/o judicial authorization

true

how can officers be alert to signs the abuser is interfering with the victim

-monitoring jail calls

-driving by the victims home and or calling them

-checking in on the victim between the arrest and court dates

a LEO shall arrest and take the person into custody, w/ or w/o a warrant or other process if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person knowingly has violated a valid protective order

yes

the rate of officer involved domestic violence is....

at least equal to that of the general population

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims

1. Victims reluctance to report

2. Officer presence

3. Training and experience

4. communication techniques

5. info-gathering techniques

6. lying

7. interview and interrogation techniques

8. physical abuse

9. weapons

10. denials

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Reluctance to report

victims fear calling the police bc they know the case will be handled by the abuser's friends

-the officer may also downplay the victim's attempts to file charges or follow through with the prosecution

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Presence

Professional: officers learn to project a command presence

Personal: gives the look that they know everything the victim has done, where they have been, who they have been with, etc

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Training and Experience

CCT taught to officers

they learn how to gain control and compliance

the officer's knowledge of the law and its elements aid in knowing what line not to cross in their abuse and what evidence to destroy

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims Communication Techniques

the LEO may need help separating work from life and may see everything as challenging their dominance, authority, and power

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Information-gathering techniques

LEOs can unlawfully use information gathering programs like NCIC in harmful ways to harass the victim, the victims family and friends

Code 14B NCAC 18B.0102 can lead to revocation of access to DCI/NCIC for an agency that employs officers who violate the Administrative Code

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Interview and Interrogation techniques

verbal communication methods ranging from persuasion to intimidate enable officers to manipulate and control the level of interaction with suspects to solicit cooperation and information

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Physical Abuse

during training LEOs are taught to use their hands, elbows, legs and knees as weapons to inflict pain to gain compliance

how does an officer's training compound the ability to control their victims: Denials

abuser will minimize their behaviors and acts/cries after abusing the victim

they will say they cant believe what just happened and beg the victim for forgiveness

Impact of Domestic Violence on children

children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems

children who witness violence between parents may also be at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships

children may witness the violence visually or audibly, which may require children to be interviewed or make a statement

Impact of Domestic Violence on children: Infants (Birth - 18 months)

exhibit failure to thrive symptoms

-weight loss/gain

-improper eating

-inconsolable crying

-and not meeting developmental milestones

Impact of Domestic Violence on children: 18 months - 5 years

exhibit

-sleeping and eating difficulties

-mood swings

-sadness

-separation anxiety

-worrying

you may also see social and language development delays, increased aggression and impulsive behaviors

Impact of Domestic Violence on children: 6 -12 years

show signs of

-anxiety

-depression

-social isolation

-emotional numbness

-withdrawal

-reduced ability to empathize

-low self-esteem

-difficulty concentrating in school

-social delays (often due to a lack of social interactions)

Impact of Domestic Violence on children: 12 - 18 years

may fail to keep up with their peers in school

may also show signs of

-anxiety

-antisocial behaviors

-depression

-withdrawal

-Teen boys exposed to women's abuse are more likely to hit their mothers and to engage in other violent behaviors

-Teen girls who see their mothers get abused are more likely to view violence as normal in relationships

-Teen girls are also more likely to become depressed, suicidal, and have a higher risk of becoming pregnant

Define Domestic Violence (obj 1)

the commission of one or more of the following acts upon an aggrieved party by a person w/ whom the aggrieved party has/had a personal relationship but does not include acts of self-defense

a. attempting to cause bodily injury, or intentionally causing bodily injury

b. placing the aggrieved party or a member of the aggrieved party's family or household in fear of imminent serious bodily injury or continued harassment as defined in NCGS 14-277.3 that rises to such a level as to inflict substantial emotional distress or

c. committing acts (such as 1st degree forcible rape, sexual battery, etc) defined in NCGS 14-27.21 - NCGS 14-27.33

personal relationship examples

1. are current or former spouses

2. are person of opposite sex who live together or have lived together

3. are parents, grandparents, or others acting in loco parentis to a minor child, or children and grandchildren

4. have a child in common

5. are current or former household members

6. are persons of the same or opposite sex who are in a dating relationship or have been dating relationship

same sex couples can meet elements 1,3,4,5

Thomas v Williams

1. romantically involved over time and on a continuous basis during the course of the relationship

2. not a casual acquaintance

3. not from ordinary fraternization

4. for a sufficient period of time

6 factors of Thomas v Williams

1. was there a minimal social interpersonal bonding of the parties over and above that of mere casual acquaintances or ordinary fraternization

2. how long did the alleged dating activities continue before the acts of domestic violence alleged

3. what were the nature and frequency of the parties interactions

4. what were the parties ongoing expectations concerning the relationship individually or jointly

5. did the parties affirm their relationship by statement or conduct before others

6. are there any other reasons unique to the case that support or detract from a finding that a dating relationship exists

Domestic Violence Protective Order or Civil No-Contact Order

filing a complaint for a 50B or 50C restraining order is the most common civil resource used by domestic violence victims

Both 50B or 50C are forms of a restraining order which have the power to order the perpetrator to have a no contract with the victim

a victim can file for a 50B or 50C free of charge at the county clerk's office

-magistrate office if a judge is not available

50B

a Domestic Violence Protective Order (DVPO) or a "50B"

this order is appropriate for individuals experiencing violence and/or harassment w/in the personal relationship categories outlined in chapter 50B

50C

a civil no-contact order appropriate for individuals who do not have a qualifying person relationship under 50B

close friends, co-worker, roommate

acts as a restraining order for victims of sexual assault or stalking incidents

ex parte order

the defendant is usually not present

if its signed by judge the order is in effect

a hearing on the initial request must be held w/in 10 days to request that the ex parte order be extended or granted for up to 1 year

after being granted the clerk will issue a summons for the defendant

the summons including the complaint, notice of hearing, and any temporary or ex parte order that has been issued, must be served upon the defendant

the alleged assailant will have the opportunity to be present at the return hearing

DVPO relief available to victims

judges and magistrates can sign

1. temporary custody of children

2. temporary possession of a residence

3. staying a certain amount of distance away from the victim

4. orders the suspect not to have contact with the victim in any manner

5. orders preventing a party from

-threatening, abusing, or following the other party

-harassing the other party, including by phone, visiting the home or workplace or other means

-cruelly treating or abusing a pet belonging to the other party or

-otherwise interfering with the other party

a copy of the order to each party

a copy with the police or sheriff if not in city limits

defendant is ordered to stay away from the child's school

a copy of the order will be given to the child's principal by the sheriff

Enforcing in-state protective orders

a valid protective order (including emergency or ex parte order) shall be enforced by all NC LEA w/o further order of the court

victim does not need a paper copy

an officer may rely on any legible copy of a valid DVPO in determining probable cause for enforcement of the order

Enforcing out-of-state protective orders w/o child custody

a valid protective order entered by the courts of another state/ Indian Tribe is to be enforced just like a valid protective order entered by NC courts

Enforcing out-of-state protective orders w/ child custody

under the UCCJEA, LE may assist in locating children but cant take kids into custody w/o an additional court order even if out of state agency orders you to do so

violating an out of state protective order is a class A1 misdemeanor

Violation of a valid protective order

only the person named as the defendant on the order can be arrested for violating the order

if a person knowingly violates a DVPO (any state) and has been convicted 2 previous times it is a

Class H felony

a person knowingly violates a valid DVPO and possesses a deadly weapon

Class H felony

subject of the DVPO enters property designated as a safe house/haven where the person protected is staying

Class H felony

Warrantless arrest

a LEO shall arrest and take a person into custody, w/ or w/o a warrant or other process, if the officer has probable cause to believe that the person knowingly has violated a valid DVPO excluding the person from the residence or household occupied by a victim of domestic violence or directing the person to refrain from doing any or all of the acts specified in NCGS 50B-3(a)(9)

Emergency assistance

1. agencies shall respond to requests for help ASAP even if there isnt a DVPO

2. may take reasonable steps to protect the victim

3. may inform the victim of services available to them such as shelters, medical providers, and counseling services

4. when the victim requests, LE may transport the victim to the hospital, magistrate's office, public/private facilities for shelter, or his/her residences to retrieve food, medicine, or personal property

5. a Victim Information sheet AOC-C-323 should be provided if there is/was a personal relationship with the accused

6. LE cannot be held criminally or civilly liable for reasonable measures taken to assist the victim in providing one or more of the above services

Tactical Response (obj 5): Develop a plan of action

collect as much info as possible before arriving at the location and mentally prepare for what you might encounter

attempt to acquire from telecommunicator

-general nature of incident

-the address, apt number, L/R side of street

-if there is reported violence

a. is anyone injured

b. what type of crime

c. who is injured

d. what type of injuries

e. is the suspect present

f. suspect name/description

g. has EMS been dispatched

-who is the complainant

-what is the complainant's phone number

-are there any firearms/weapons present at the scene

a. what kind

b. location

c. has a party displayed, used or threatened to use a weapon

-is there an active DVPO

-drug/alc use

-are there children present

Tactical Response (obj 5): 2 Officer Approach

dont approach a dwelling alone unless immediately necessary to terminate an imminent threat to a party therein

if alone an assailant will perceive you as more vulnerable

if approached by a party involved in the disturbance, notify you assisting car and the telecommunicator immediately to speed up the response

for calls you anticipate problems, request comms for radio priority or channel hold

LEO should know that strangulation suspects are some of the most dangerous individuals and they are more likely to kill police officers and commit mass homicides

true

Tactical Response (obj 5): Tactical approach in vehicle

park your car where it will not be seen by the individuals inside the residence

-turn off lights and sirens

-turn headlights off before turning onto street or park on the corner before

-park a few houses down on the same side of street

-try not to pass the house (if you do park a few houses down)

-avoid pulling into the driveway

-if you have to park in the driveway, park so the vehicle is between you and the residence (offers cover)

-dont park under a streetlight

-close your door quietly

-lower your radio so only you can hear it

Tactical Response (obj 5): Tactical approach on foot

-walk leaving distance between your partner and you

-use available cover and concealment while approaching

-approach under cover of darkness

-look for yard signs/sticker indicating anti-gov or pro gun or dogs

-dont walk in front of windows

-stand on the doorknob/hinged side of the door

define the fatal funnel

areas such as sidewalks, hallways and doorways that are generally narrow, confining areas that offer little or no cover or concealment and potentially limit the officers tactical options if they have to go into combat

main goal of contact/cover

to discourage and prevent resistance officer assaults

Contact Officer role

established before arriving

-roll should be maintained throughout the entire investigation when possible

1. initiate all activity (frisks, searches, etc) and dialogue w/ suspects, witnesses and victims

2. conduct interviews with all involved parties

3. take notes

4. conduct radio transmissions (be aware of comments that suspect may hear)

5. initiate arrest procedures

Cover Officer role

takes a position that allows them to see the contact officer, the subject, and any potential outside threat that might arise

to avoid cross-fire, dont stand in line with the contact officer and the subject, form a triangles

1. not engaging in dialog with people other than the contact officer, should other person approach cover officer they should be told to wait until the contact officer is available

2. follow directions given by the contact officer

3. block escape routes

4. position yourself to

-person cover from hostile acts

-clear view of all individuals and the contact officer

-appropriate background if shooting become necessary

-non-crossfire position

-good view of the surrounding area

-control over possible areas of escape for the arrestee

5. if individuals separate, the cover officer may become a contact officer until all individuals can be controlled

Tactical Response (obj 5): Making initial contact

1. when approaching the front door, utilize contact and cover tactics and approach from an angle to avoid the fatal funned created by the front door

2. listen before you knock and get an idea of whats going on inside (level of violence, # of people)

3. stand on the side of the door as you knock, firearm side of your body away from the door

-if single officer choose the side of the door that requires the resident to open the door fully

-outward swing = hinge side

-inward swing = doorknob side

-multiple officers should not stand on the same side of the door

4. keep your presence and ID unknown as long as you can to gather as much info as possible before entering the home

5. dont knock if it puts people in danger

Tactical Response (obj 5): Entering the Premises

1. officer safety is your primary concern

2. ensure you see both hands of the person who opens the door before entering

-dont walk past the person who answers the door, keep everyone in front of you

3. scan the room for people and weapons

-secure weapons in plain view

4. people answering the door may not be the calling party and may not be aware that you were coming

-when they answer the door say "a call was received and ask whats going on"

5. ID anyone that needs medical attention

6. the backup officer should follow the primary officer into the residence to help establish control of the situation

Tactical Response (obj 5): Children

ask if children are present then search

we are only able to search with consent, search warrant, PC or exigency

-safely remove ammo from the firearms

-secure firearms and ammo temporarily

Tactical Response (obj 5): Tactical Departure

1. the officer who is the farthest inside the residence should leave first. the officer closest to the door can provide cover

2. dont make a parting remark about returning this could lead to violence down the road

3. listen as you walk away for any sounds that may indicate violence is erupting again

4. be careful as you depart, dont take the change of getting attacked from behind

5. officers may want to stay nearby during their shift in case there is another violent incident

6. review call in your mind so you can be better next time

on scene interviews serve to assess the situation and gather evidence at the time of the response (obj 2)

true

Interviewing (obj 2): separating parties

1. the contact officer should separate the involved parties and talk to individuals one at a time

-interview victim and suspect where they cant see each other

2. contact officer should ID and interview all witnesses to the incident

-should be questioned away from the victim and the suspect

-contact info should be collected

3. LEO should ask the victim who else they talked to before calling LE (LEO often ID witnesses through this question)

4. Children should be questioned in an age-appropriate manner w/ open-ended questions

5. check neighbors in the area for possible witness statements and interview them

-get their contact info

Interviewing (obj 2): Questions to ask to determine injury or arrest

1. describe the victim/suspect location upon arrival

2. record victim and suspects name, DOB, address, email home/work phone numbers (victims may change phone # but usually keep their emails)

3. record any spontaneous statements by victim or suspect

4. describe victims/suspects emotional condition

5. note victim's relationship to suspect

6. describe the suspect's physical condition and appearance

7. document injuries in detail (size, location, and coloration) and whether medical treatment was sought

8. if medical treatment was used, complete medical records release form and have them sign it

9. if EMS responds to the scene, document the name and contact info of the respond should this info be needed at a later time

-request EMS notes

10. document evidence of alc/drugs relative to the incident

11. record any history of drug/alc abuse

12. note any restraining/court orders in effect and ask for a copy

13. ask the victim/suspect about the presence and location of any deadly weapons that were used or threatened to be used by the suspect

14. ask the suspect about the presence, location, type of gun and ammo in the suspects control, ownership or possession

15. ask victim if or what aspects of the crime were facilitated by use of technology

16. receive audio, video or a written statement from them (audio or video preferred

17. if the suspect is arrested issue miranda, obtain a waiver and ask the suspect if they want to make a stement

-if yes confirm that the suspect knew of the restraining order and udnerstood its terms

18. advise and provide the victim with a written notice of rights and services available

19. NC Crime victims rights w/in 72 hours after getting notification of arrest of the accused, LEA will forward to DA office form AOC-CR-180B for the victims notification decision

avoid letting individuals go into the kitchen, bathroom, and bedrooms

true

they can get a weapon, harm themselves or escape or barricade themselves inside

Non verbal body language

1. breathing changes

2. clenching of teeth/jaw

3. unusual sweating

4. fist clenching

5. body language

-suspect shift weight, bladed, defensive or fighting stance, defensive posture or exaggerated moving or stretching limbs

6. scanning/glances (planning escape or fight)

7. dressing down

8. spitting

9. blank stare

10. presence of impairment from drugs/alc

11. furtive movements or gestures (hands in pockets or under clothing, or back away from LEO)

tips

1. dont focus solely on the hostile person, disregarding the victim

2. use a calm, direct speaking voice

3. if the parties are yelling, lower your voice to a whisper

4. look directly at the person talking and acknowledge what they are saying, utilizing sympathetic listening skills

5. stay in control of the situation by maintaining a calm presence

6. eliminate distractions

-turn off the tv or stereo

-ensure the room is illuminated

7. use an interpreter if needed

officers should note the manner in which someone answers questions,

this is considered nontestimonial

officers may always testify about a persons appearance and other physical characteristics

true

not if the parties are excited, crying, fearful, shaking or angry

noting the purpose of the interview can help determine admissibility if the witness does not appear in court

true

written statements

obtain written statements from all parties whenever possible

b/c victims are often reluctant to later participate in the prosecution of the offenders

getting it in their own handwriting helps prosecutors prove the case and minimize the ability of victim, witnesses and the defendant to deny making their original statements

Define Predominant Aggressor (obj 2)

The party that poses the most serious ongoing threat

may not be the person who initiated the contact or struck first

how to determine the predominant aggressor (obj 2)

1. history of violence including verbal reports of prior instances, prior domestic violence protective orders, and criminal histories

2. height, weight and age of both parties

3. any physical disabilites or impaiments

4. existence of a current domestic violence protective order

-is the violence becoming more frequent, triggered by money troubles

5. offensive vs defensive injuries

6. which party is genuinely afraid of the others

7. proportional nature of mutual violence

8. which party called 911

9. credibility of the parties

10. corroboration by other witnesses or physical evidence

11. drug/alc use

officers must arrest a person with or w/o a warrant if the defendant knew of the protective order and violated it

being invited over doesnt change this

true

officers may arrest a person w/o a warrant if the suspect in the officers presence

1. commits any criminal offense

2. violates certain pre-trial release conditions of a DVPO

officers can arrest w/o a warrant if the officer has probable cause to believe the suspect committed a felony

felonies include

1. assault with a deadly weapon w/ intent inflicting serious injury

2. assault w/ a deadly weapon w/ intent to kill

3. assault w/ a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury

4. assault inflicting serious bodily injury

5. kiddnapping 1st degree

6. possession of a firearm by felon

7. habitual misdemeanor assault

8. assault by strangulation

DV misdemeanor where warrantless arrest is authorized by not required

1. simple assault

2. assault on a female

3. assault inflicting serious injury

4. assault w/ a deadly weapon

5. domestic criminal trespass

6. assault by pointing a gun

reviewing court orders

1. determine if the victim has a valid restraining order against the suspect

2. state must prove the defendant knowingly and willfully violated the protective order

3. determine the suspect violated the court order

4. lawfully enforce protective orders

investigate clues

1. assailant's resistance to officer entry

2. victims reluctance to talk about the situation

3. types of injury

-look for the bathing suit pattern

use caution when documenting injuries

4. note any substance abuse

5. note pregnant women w/ injuries

6. note suicide attempts

7. pay attention if partner is overly protective, agitated, or aggressive with victim

8. ask the victim if they have ever been forced to engage in sexual activity or made to do something that made them feel uncomfortable

9. be aware of any psychological, emotional or physiological complaints

10. note any evidence of strangulation

bilateral injuries

might signify defensive injuries

pay attention to explanations inconsistent w/ the type and location of injury

reporting the incident

file a standard investigation report documenting what occurred

reports should include

1. include details recieved from the telecommunicator

2. not time officer received call and the time the officer arrived on scene

3. note location of the parties upon arrival

4. victims name, address, and phone number, including employment info and email

5. the suspects name, address, and phone number, employment info

6. specific details of what the victim, suspect, and witnesses say happened

7. note if an interpreter was used

8. detailed description of any injuries the victm or suspect suffered

9. physical and emotional demeanor of both parties

10. obtain handwritten statements from all parties

11. note if suspect threatened victim and if victim has cooperated with LE in the past

12. note if children witnessed the incident, their statements, and their physical and emotional demeanor

13. include statements from witnesses

14. prior history of DV

15. determine if there is a current or past DVPO

16. take photos of injuries

17. seize guns and other evidence

18. look for cctv

19. document actions taken

20. document referral services recommended

21. include if there was a referral made to CPS

22. note if a follow up is needed

photographs

take photos of injuries on both sides and the crime scene

ask victim about injuries that are possible concealed by clothing

take photos of any children present during the incident

take photos of evidence and electronic evidence

evidence collection

1. evidence of victims injuries

2. evidence of attack

3. evidence of crime scene

4. Collect weapons in plane view

5. collect torn or bloody clothing

6. Collect/document electronic evidence

obtain medical records (obj 4)

1. obtain a copy of the EMS report

2. obtain medical release form from the victim

3. subpoena hospital records

4. obtain copy of 911 call

5. re-interview victim

6. contact the victim and witnesses to inform them of the status of the case

7. record name, address and phone number of 2 close friends/fam of the victim who know their whearabouts

8. Complete a criminal history check and see if original charges can be elevated to felonies

9. document all prior DV incidents

10. follow up photos

11. ensure victims has been made of their rights

12. w/in 72 hours provide victim w/ the AOC information sheet

13. possibly assist in return of one part to remove possessions

14. follow up w/ CPS

15. monitor jail calls, letters and visits by the offender to the victims

16. obtain phone records of all involved parties

17. Do a regular follow-up with victim to check on them

when an arrest is warranted

dont rush

talk longer

wait for backup

use verbal stall tactics

anticipate the offenders actions

dont discount the victim

the victim may not want the suspected arrested

victim may become aggressive

back up officer should assist control the victim

make arrest away from victim and children

if no arrest explain why to victim

specialized DV units increase the likelihood of arrest and prosecution

true

victims declined to prosecute in 30% of cases by patrol officers compared to 8% by specialized units

Investigative approaches

trust but verify

1. avoid judging victims or personally commenting on the situation

2. hear both sides

3. honor the problem

4. be sensitive to culteral differences

5. remain calm

6. listen attentively

7. dont let talk replace tactics

8. Don't say some version of I'll come back and arrest you both

Referrals (obj 3)

1. domestic violence service providers offer free services such as counseling, shelter, court advocacy, and support groups

2. Psychological Services

3. support groups

4. court agencies

5. Attorneys- LEO can never recommend a specific private attorney or firm

6. AA or Narcotics Anonymous

safety planning risk factors

1. weapon used or threatened

2. partner tried to choke

3. partner violently and constantly jealous

4. woman forced to have sex when not wanted

5. gun in the house

6. physical violence increased in severity/frequency

7. partner controls most or all of the others daily activites

8. partner uses illicit drugs

9. woman beaten while pregnant

10. partner threatened to kill a woman

11. partner drunk every day or almost every day

12. partner threatened to commit suicide

13. belief partner could kill

14. partner reported for child abuse

15. partner violent outside the home

16. victim threatened or tried to commit suicide

victim options after an arrest have been made

1. give victim names and numbers of PD, local DV serivice program, community resources

2. explain they might try to get back in their life

3. discuss steps taken next

4. help vicitm establish safety plan

5. remind how to see custody status using NC SAVAN

6. explain DVPO

7. Explain the no-contact order

safety planning for the victim who is leaving the residence

1. ID what needs to be taken (money, clothes, DVPO, etc)

2. leave money, clothes and extra keys with someone the victim can trust

3. take children if possible or arrange for someone to care for them

4. know the shelter numbers

5. know the safest way to leave, leaving can be the most dangerous time

safety plan for the victim who is not leaving the house

1. if an argument is gonna happen try to have it in a room that has an exit

-not the kitchen, bathroom, or anywhere w/ weapons

2. practice how to get out of the home safely

3. have a packed bag ready

4. have a neighbor the victim can talk to about the violence and ask them to call the cops if they hear something

5. decide and plan where the victim will go if forced to leave the house

Strangulation

the risk of homicide increases exponentially for those who experienced strangulation

1. Hanging

2. Ligature (cord/belt/clothing)

3. Manual Strangulation

"any person who assaults another person and inflicts physical injury by strangulation"

s/s of strangulation

1. change in voice- hoarseness or loss of voice

2. swallowing difficulty or painful swallowing

3. involuntary urination or defecation

4. breathing difficulty or inability to breath

5. visible injuries

6. redness on the chest and neck

7. chin abrasions

8. petechiae- pinpoint red marks cause by blood vessels popping

9. blood red eyes

10. ligature marks

11. swelling

12. vomiting/nausea

13. loss of consciousness

14. no visible injuries