The Construction of Domestic Violence Among Police Officers

Due to pressures from activists, large lawsuits, research studies, and changes in the law, police departments in the United States have experienced dramatic changes in their response to domestic violence. The purpose of this study is to examine police officers constructions of domestic violence. I argue that officers' interpretations of domestic violence are influenced by their personal lived experiences, prejudices, occupational culture, training and department policies. These interpretations, in turn, influence their responses to victims and offenders. Since the individual officer is one point where intervention with victims and offenders begins, individual constructions are pivotal to addressing policy implementation. I recommend that a feminist theoretical orientation be implemented in police training to reduce the gap between institutional and individual constructions of domestic violence. Policy makers, trainers, supervisors, victim advocates and victims must grasp the various factors that influence professionals' responses in order to expect full implementation of policies.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Human and Community Development

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2015

Author dc:creator

• George, Suja M.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Peterson, B.J.

• Women's Studies

Language dc:language

eng

Identifier

(MiAaPQ)AAI9904464

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/87202