An Uneasy Alliance Law Enforcement and Domestic Violence Victim Advocates in a Rural Area

This study illuminates the conflicts that emerged in a collaboration between a feminist- oriented victim advocacy group and law enforcement personnel in a rural area. Observations and interviews conducted during an 18-month period document disagreements between participants and elucidate why these conflicts arose. Results suggest some potential strategies for overcoming barriers to collaboration between victim advocates and the police, including provisions for conflict resolution and practical/financial commitment to cross-training. Moreover, training should include discussions of philosophical and protocol differences between agencies, as well as structural barriers to leaving an abusive relationship in rural areas.