October is Domestic Violence Action Month (DVAM), a time dedicated to raising awareness about the pervasive issue of domestic violence and inspiring action to support survivors. In advance of our Pathways Forward roundtable discussion on the realities of reporting, let's deepen our understanding of the barriers individuals face when attempting to report violence to law enforcement.

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October 23rd | Noon - 1pm | Online Via Zoom

Personal and Systemic Challenges

There are multiple reasons why a survivor of domestic violence may not want to report the abuse to law enforcement. Each situation and individual is unique. Let's explore a few of those barriers.

1. Fear of Retaliation and Escalation

A primary barrier to reporting domestic violence (DV) is the fear of retaliation or escalation by the abuser. According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline's 2015 Law Enforcement Survey, victims often worry that reporting to the police will exacerbate the situation, making things worse rather than better. The survey found that “fear of further violence or escalation was a significant concern for many victims,” influencing their decision to remain silent.

2. Lack of Trust in Law Enforcement

Many victims of domestic violence struggle with trust issues regarding law enforcement. The National Domestic Violence Hotline also found that two-thirds or more of women surveyed were afraid the police would not believe them or do anything.

This fear can stem from a broader mistrust in the system, where victims may worry that their experiences will be dismissed or inadequately addressed. This widespread concern shows how important it is that law enforcement take the time to ensure victims feel heard, believed, and supported when responding to domestic violence calls.

3. Concerns About Privacy and Confidentiality

Privacy and confidentiality concerns can play a role in the decision to report domestic violence. Victims may fear that their personal information will not be adequately protected, leading to potential breaches of privacy and compromised safety.

A survivor's safety or reputation could be jeopardized if information about their situation was shared. There is a pervasive stigma in society around being the victim of abuse. Survivors may want to keep knowledge of their situation private to avoid embarrassment, shame, and guilt that is associated. It is also important to consider to what degree survivors may be trying to protect the individual who caused harm.

The National Crime Victim Law Institute (NCVLI) states, "It is important to understand what level of privacy protection can be afforded to a victim with whom one works and to communicate that BEFORE the victim shares any information." This can help a survivor feel more informed about what could happen if certain information is disclosed.

Service agencies that support survivors of domestic violence, like YWCA Spokane, who are funded partially through the federal government are required to protect and respect survivors' confidentiality and privacy.

4. Impact of Mandatory Arrest Policies

Since 1984, Washington State has had a mandatory arrest policy for when officers are called to a domestic violence incident. According to the Washington State Institute for Public Policy:

Mandatory arrest laws require a police officer to arrest a suspected perpetrator at the scene of a DV event, given probable cause that violence against the victim has recently occurred.

As of 2019, mandatory arrest laws are in place in 23 states, while 23 other states have discretionary arrest laws. Discretionary Arrest allows for the responding officer to have the most decision-making power. In the event of an arrest, it is the state that ends up pursuing charges, regardless of how those involved may feel.

While the intention of mandatory arrest is to protect victims, WSIPP found that this policy has not shown to increase or decrease the prevalence of domestic violence. Additionally, survivors may be fearful of their partner getting arrested or even themselves being arrested. This can create an additional layer of complexity for victims who are already grappling with the dynamics of their situation.

It is important to note that YWCA Spokane is able to continue to support survivors who may have a domestic violence charge against them.

5. Socioeconomic and Cultural Factors

Socioeconomic and cultural factors also play a significant role in reporting barriers. Survivors who are financially dependent on their abuser may fear losing their livelihood if the abuser is arrested. Cultural norms and stigmas around domestic violence can further isolate victims and discourage them from seeking assistance.

These can be common barriers for survivors and contribute to staying in the relationship. Learn more about barriers for leaving here.

6. Insufficient Resources and Support

Insufficient resources and support can hinder survivors from coming forward. When survivors perceive that there are limited resources available to them, they may feel powerless to change their situation.

Moreover, when survivors do not have a strong support system, they may fear retaliation or social judgment. If their family or friends hold stigmatizing views toward victims of abuse, the survivor may worry about being blamed for staying in the relationship or being seen as weak for not resolving the issue privately. This fear of social backlash can deter them from reaching out to police or support services, as they may feel they would be judged not only by their abuser but by their community as well. Without positive support and encouragement from loved ones, they are more likely to remain trapped in cycles of violence.

Conclusion

Understanding the barriers to reporting domestic violence is crucial for developing more effective support systems and interventions. By acknowledging these challenges, we can work towards creating more responsive and trauma-informed systems of care. During Domestic Violence Action Month, let’s commit to addressing these barriers and ensuring that all survivors have access to the help and resources they need.

If you or someone you know is impacted by intimate partner domestic violence, know that confidential advocates are always available through our 24hr helpline services by calling 509-326-2255, emailing help@ywcaspokane.org, or texting 509-220-3725. To learn more about accessing services at YWCA Spokane, please visit ywcaspokane.org/services.

Together, we can work towards breaking down barriers and fostering a safer, more supportive environment for all.