Identifying and Preventing Gender Bias in Law Enforcement Response to Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
Publication Date: 2015
Abstract: This guidance from the Department of Justice (DOJ) is designed to help law enforcement agencies prevent gender bias in their response to sexual assault and domestic violence, highlighting the need for clear policies, robust training and responsive accountability systems. This document is intended to reflect and further DOJ's partnership with the police leaders, line officers and detectives who work tirelessly to ensure that policing is free from bias and to uphold the civil and human rights of the communities they serve. The guidance serves two key purposes. First, it aims to examine how gender bias can undermine the response of law enforcement agencies (LEAs) to sexual assault and domestic violence. Second, it provides a set of basic principles that if integrated into LEAs' policies, trainings and practices will help ensure that gender bias, either intentionally or unintentionally, does not undermine efforts to keep victims safe and hold offenders accountable.