Consulting on Police Officer-Involved Domestic Violence

Victims whose abusers are police officers are especially vulnerable to the danger and isolation associated with domestic violence. Use of civil and criminal legal remedies is complicated by the batterer’s status in law enforcement. It is important that advocates and all professionals who work with victims of police officers educate themselves on the complexities of officer-involved domestic violence cases.

BWJP partners with Diane Wetendorf, Inc. to provide training and technical assistance to  advocates, counselors, law enforcement and other  professionals working with victims of police-perpetrated domestic violence. Diane provides consultation for women who are victims of abusive police officers and technical assistance on developing departmental officer-involved domestic violence policy. Her training, teleconferences and workshops address the unique challenges law enforcement and advocates face when working with victims of officer-involved domestic violence. Topics include the unique dynamics due to the abuser’s professional status, victim safety and intervention, victims who are also in law enforcement, departmental responsibilities, firearm possession laws, and collaboration between advocates and law enforcement agencies.

Diane has worked with domestic violence victims for over twenty years, and has devoted her energies to this particular population of victims since 1996. Diane authored When the Batterer Is a Law Enforcement Officer: A Guide for Advocates and  independently maintains the website www.abuseofpower.info. This site is an excellent resource for law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, practitioners, advocates, shelter personnel and victims. Diane can be reached through the BWJP toll-free number, 1-800-903-0111, ext. 1. If she is unavailable, BWJP staff can provide immediate crisis assistance.

Diane Wetendorf, Inc.
E-mail: dwetendorf@dwetendorf.com
Telephone: (847) 749-2560