Shadows of Silence: Investigating Police Responses to Intimate and Gender-Based Violence

View Sample PDF

Author(s): Joana Torres (University of Maia, Portugal), Jorge Gracia Ibáñez (Universidad San Jorge, Spain)and Sónia Maria Martins Caridade (Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal)
Copyright: 2024
Pages: 22
Source title: Investigating and Combating Gender-Related Victimization
Source Author(s)/Editor(s): Gabriela Mesquita Borges (University of Lusíada, Portugal), Ana Guerreiro (University of Maia, Portugal & School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Portugal)and Miriam Pina (School of Criminology, Faculty of Law, University of Porto, Portugal & Faculté de Droit, des Sciences Criminelles et d’administration Publique, Université de Lausanne, Switzerland)
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3693-5436-0.ch006

Keywords: Criminal Science and Forensics / Criminology & Victimology / Information Science Reference / Social Sciences & Humanities

Purchase

View Shadows of Silence: Investigating Police Responses to Intimate and Gender-Based Violence on the publisher's website for pricing and purchasing information.

Abstract

The Istanbul Convention stands out as a crucial and pioneering tool in addressing gender-based violence (GBV) and violence against women (VAW) within the European context. Recognizing the significance of police responses to such violence, this qualitative study aims to analyze and comprehend the implementation of police officers' responses to intimate partner violence in Portugal, while considering the principles outlined in the Istanbul Convention. Thirteen interviews (M = 46; S.D. = 13.3) were conducted with professionals involved in police response, evenly distributed across Portugal. The objective was to explore their experiences in providing responses to intimate and GBV, which were then scrutinized against the recommendations outlined in the Group of Experts' Report to Combat Violence Against Women and Domestic Violence. The findings revealed a significant gap in knowledge among first-line response personnel regarding the phenomenon. While the establishment of specialized groups within the police force, such as the Investigation and Support Centers for Specific Victims (NIAVE), was viewed as an important and positive resource, it was deemed insufficient due to heavy workloads, resulting in the prioritization of higher-risk cases. Despite the implementation of a risk assessment instrument, there was a notable lack of understanding among professionals regarding its application. The investigation yielded several recommendations for enhancing these responses, including a substantial investment in training for police responses to GBV and bolstering the capacity of NIAVE to ensure effective management of all domestic violence (DV) cases.

The IRMA Community

Research IRM

Shadows of Silence: Investigating Police Responses to Intimate and Gender-Based Violence

Purchase

Abstract

Related Content

IRMA Sponsors