Policing Domestic Abuse
Risk, Policy, and Practice
Preview
Book Description
This book is dedicated to improving the practice of the policing of domestic abuse. Its objective is to help inform those working in policing about the dynamics of how domestic abuse occurs, how best to respond to and investigate it, and in the longer term how to prevent it.
Divided into thematic areas, the book uses recent research findings to update some of the theoretical analysis and to highlight areas of good practice: ‘what works and why’. An effective investigation and the prosecution of offenders are considered, as well as an evaluation of the success of current treatment options. Policing domestic abuse can only be dealt with through an effective partnership response. The responsibilities of each agency and the statutory processes in place when policy is not adhered to are outlined.
Core content includes:
- A critique of definitions and theoretical approaches to domestic abuse, including coverage of the myths surrounding domestic abuse and their impact on policing.
- An exploration on the challenges of collecting data on domestic abuse, looking at police data and the role of health and victim support services.
- A critical review of different forms of abuse, different perpetrators and victims, and risk assessment tools used by the police.
- A critical examination of the law relating to domestic abuse; how police resources are deployed to respond to and manage it; and best practice in investigation, gathering evidence, and prosecution
- Key perspectives on preventing domestic abuse, protecting victims, and reducing harm.
Written with the student and budding practitioner in mind, this book is filled with case studies, current research, reports, and media examples, as well as a variety of reflective questions and a glossary of key terms, to help shed light on the challenges of policing domestic violence and the links between academic research and best practice.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction; 2. What is domestic abuse?; 3. Measuring the extent of domestic abuse; 4. Assessing risk; 5. The law, policing policy, and the courts; 6. Victims; 7 Perpetrators; 8.Coordinated solutions to domestic abuse; 9. Policing domestic abuse within the organisation, 10. Policing domestic abuse – reflections and new directions.
Author(s)
Biography
Katy Barrow-Grint is a Chief Superintendent in Thames Valley Police with over 20 years of police experience. She has an academic interest in Domestic Abuse, completing her Masters at Warwick Business School, and has written on domestic abuse attrition rates in the Criminal Justice System.
Jacqueline Sebire is an Assistant Chief Constable with Bedfordshire Police. She has 30 years of police service specialising as a detective in homicide and safeguarding and public protection. She has a PhD in Psychology from the University of Leicester researching the risk factors associated with domestic abuse homicide.
Jackie Turton is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Sociology at Essex University. She joined the university after a career in the health service and has taught sociology and criminology since 1996. Family violence is a key focus of her research work.
Dr Ruth Weir is a Senior Research Fellow in the Violence and Society Centre at City University. She specialises in using quantitative methods and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to analyse gender-based violence and abuse. Prior to working in academia Ruth held several research and policy positions in local government and the Home Office.
Reviews
An essential read for the many police staff, officers and leaders who care about applying evidence based practice in protecting victims from domestic abuse and securing justice for them.
Louisa Rolfe, Metropolitan Police, National Police Chief Council lead for DA
"Policing Domestic Violence offers practical, policing-based strategies for how to better support victims–survivors of domestic violence abuse, facilitate robust risk assessments, and ensure that all perpetrators are held accountable for committing violence against women and children. The book also considers and summarises the implications of police failure to protect actual and potential victims–survivors, using case studies to offer ways forward for rebuilding trust across all aspect of policing these crimes. Written in a clear and accessible way, this book addresses the importance of police work in revealing some of the ways in which multi-agency and multi-disciplinary cooperation work in practice. It also illuminates the possible unintended consequences of particular interventions."
Aisha K. Gill, Professor of Criminology, Social Sciences, University of Roehampton
I can only recommend this great book to every young police officer (and maybe a couple of old hands too), as it manages to unpick this extremely complex topic of Domestic Abuse in a very accessible and practical and holistic way. I am convinced that it will make a great contribution to society as it will help us to learn to deal with this difficult topic.
Tom Kirchmaier, Director of the Policing and Crime research group, London School EconomicsFrom recognition to response, domestic abuse presents profound challenges for policing. It is an old problem that constantly requires new thinking as we grapple with lockdowns, a housing deficit, and digital forms of violence and control. The authors are uniquely placed to provide the guide that is needed for 21st century policing.
Nigel South, Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Essex
Providing an effective and informed response to domestic abuse is of enormous importance. This comprehensive and timely text draws together research on the nature, dynamics and consequences of domestic abuse alongside policy, legislation and developments in policing practice. Vividly written, it is essential reading for frontline police professionals, as well as academics and students concerned with how best to identify, respond to and prevent domestic abuse in the pandemic era.This is a timely and unique book, in that it blends the voices and expertise of academics and police practitioners to advance practice and understanding relating to the policing of domestic abuse. Although the domestic abuse crisis predates the pandemic, the past couple of years are testament to how important it is that we retain a sharp focus on tackling and responding to domestic abuse in all of its forms - so it is fantastic to see this collaboration come to fruition, and produce such a useful and practical resource.
Michele Burman, Professor of Criminology, University of Glasgow
This is a courageous and inspiring book addressing everyday challenges in policing domestic abuse, from definitions and measurement to assessing risk, intersectionality in victimisation to effective treatment options. Its blend of academic research and theory, legal developments and practical applications make it a must read for operational police officers, academics and those in allied agencies
Loraine Gelsthorpe, Director, Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge
This is a timely and unique book, in that it blends the voices and expertise of academics and police practitioners to advance practice and understanding relating to the policing of domestic abuse. Although the domestic abuse crisis predates the pandemic, the past couple of years are testament to how important it is that we retain a sharp focus on tackling and responding to domestic abuse in all of its forms - so it is fantastic to see this collaboration come to fruition, and produce such a useful and practical resource.
Kelly Johnson, Assistant Professor in Criminology, Department of Sociology, Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse