Defined as a sequence of coercive actions used to gain or preserve the control of an intimate partner or family member, domestic violence remains a rampant social and law enforcement issue within the United States (Kruger & Valltos, 2002). Since being brought to light in the 1970’s, as a result of the establishment of the Women’s Movement, the increase in public awareness of the victims and the offenders gave women a voice not previously heard (Blumenstein, 2009). The demand from the public for law enforcement agencies to aggressively combat this issue, lead to a sad but important realization. Law enforcement themselves were not only limitedly addressing the problem, but in fact were aiding in the problem (Kruger & Valltos, 2002).
