Family violence and police utilization

This study examines the utilization of police service for domestic incidents. Contrary to the popular image of serious violence perpetrated upon a spouse, the data show that most calls involve less serious incidents that are almost as likely to involve cohabitants as married couples. This finding assumes significance because of the small proportion of the cohabiting population to the married population. Other types of relationships that generate calls to the police include, although to a lesser extent, parent-child, boyfriend-girlfriend, and siblings. Explanation for these findings focuses on relationship issues and provides implications for service utilization.