What is the primary responsibility of law enforcement regarding family violence?

The primary responsibility of law enforcement regarding family violence is to protect the victim from harm. This focus on victim protection is rooted in the understanding that family violence often involves immediate threats to safety and well-being. Law enforcement officers are trained to respond swiftly to incidents of family violence to help ensure that individuals at risk receive immediate assistance and protection.

By prioritizing the safety of the victim, officers can prevent further abuse and potentially save lives. This protective role often involves removing the perpetrator from the situation, providing a safe environment for the victim, and connecting them with necessary support services, such as shelters or counseling.

While gathering evidence and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable are important aspects of law enforcement's duties, they come secondary to immediate victim protection. The mediation of disputes is generally not a suitable approach in situations of family violence, which typically require a more protective and intervention-based strategy.