Domestic Violence Response Flashcards

A victim tells an officer her abuser tracked her location using a secretly installed app on her phone. This is an example of:

Answer: Technology-facilitated stalking and coercive control

Covertly installing tracking software on a partner's device without consent constitutes stalking and is a form of technology-facilitated coercive control prosecutable under Michigan law.

When documenting injuries in a DV report, the officer should use which type of language?

Answer: Objective, descriptive language such as '3 cm laceration on left cheekbone'

Objective, specific, measurable descriptions of injuries — size, color, location, shape — create the strongest evidentiary record and withstand cross-examination.

A DV victim expresses fear that calling for help will result in her undocumented immigration status being reported. The officer's best response is to:

Answer: Explain that Michigan police focus on the crime itself and victim safety, not immigration status

Officers should reassure DV victims that local law enforcement's role is to investigate the crime and protect safety, not to enforce immigration law, to encourage reporting.

Which of the following best describes 'safety planning' as part of a DV response?

Answer: Collaborating with the victim to identify options and steps to increase her safety given her specific circumstances

Safety planning is a victim-centered, collaborative process that helps the victim identify realistic options and protective steps tailored to her unique situation and readiness.

Under Michigan law, an arrest for domestic assault made without a warrant requires that the officer:

Answer: Have probable cause to believe the assault occurred, even if the officer did not witness it

Michigan's DV statute permits warrantless arrest based on probable cause that domestic assault occurred, regardless of whether the officer witnessed the assault or has a victim statement.

What is the primary purpose of a DV supplemental or 'blue form' report in Michigan jurisdictions?

Answer: To capture additional lethality indicators, relationship history, and victim advocacy referrals

DV supplemental forms capture lethality risk factors, prior history, and victim service referrals that standard incident reports do not, improving both prosecution and victim safety outcomes.

A victim states she does not want the suspect arrested because she depends on him financially. The officer should:

Answer: Explain that the arrest decision rests with law enforcement, not the victim, and connect her with advocacy resources

Arrest authority in DV cases rests with the officer, not the victim; the officer should acknowledge the victim's concerns, make the appropriate arrest if probable cause exists, and refer her to advocacy and financial assistance resources.