In the past focusing on the criminal justice system as the sole deterrent to abuse has failed to reduce the incidence of domestic violence. Today communities persist in attempting to resolve domestic violence by intervention instead of prevention. Violence is learned behavior inside and outside of school. The entire community, not just the police department, must be held accountable for modifying behavior. It is the responsibility of the entire community to establish activities that promote nonviolent values and teach nonviolent alternatives to resolve conflict.
Healthy activities are the essential ingredient in a successful community-based program.
A police department that cannot police its own members cannot expect to win the respect of the community. Departments need a clear policy for dealing with abusive personnel and their families. The policy must protect everyone's rights, be simple enough to be understood by all, and above all must incontestably make every person in the department accountable for his actions. The principle of holding persons and not a procedure or system responsible for the failure of a mission has been misplaced in today's society. It is people, not the system, that will ultimately be successful in reducing domestic violence in the community.