Articles on OIDV are very, very rare. This one is well done and looks at several facets of the issue.
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'The power. The badge. The gun. The brotherhood'
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'"Part of that is changing the culture among police officers," said Shivas, of the state's battered women coalition. "It's not an easy thing to do. Most police officers don't think it is OK and are surely appalled to learn one of their colleagues is abusing their spouse.
'The power. The badge. The gun. The brotherhood'
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'"Part of that is changing the culture among police officers," said Shivas, of the state's battered women coalition. "It's not an easy thing to do. Most police officers don't think it is OK and are surely appalled to learn one of their colleagues is abusing their spouse.
"But at the same time," she said, "people talk about a (law enforcement) code."'
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According to studies, domestic violence rates in law enforcement marriages are at 22-41% (approx. twice the national average). Those quoted in the article said they suspect the true, current rate is lower. That's all well and good, and they can suspect this information is outdated all they want to, however, until they can prove that with further studies, it is only supposition.
And per usual, there are no resources provided for women/men in these relationships. Why? Because there are no organizations. Those in these relationships must go to standard domestic violence support--despite their having special needs, such as the fact that there abuser likely knows where secret shelters are, has access to firearms, and has 'brothers' who will cover his tracks.
It comes down to changing the culture, breaking the code.
