Determining the Predominant Aggressor
The predominant aggressor is the party posing the most serious threat. The predominant aggressor is not necessarily the first disputant to engage in assault behavior, but the one with the most ability and inclination to inflict physical injury.
When deteriming the predominant aggressor, officers gather all relevant information.
Guilt is not assumed based on visual evidence.
The following information is used to determine the predominant aggressor:
· History of service calls to the home.
· History of domestic violence between the parties.
· Prior assault convictions of either party.
· Current or previous orders of protection filed against either party.
· Height/weight of parties.
· Proportional nature of injuries inflicted on each person.
· Injuries - offensive and defensive.
· Evidence one party acted in self-defense (bites, scratches, use of a defense "weapon").
· Presence of fear in one party.
· Presence of other normal responses to trauma (crying).
· Presence of controlling behavior in one party.
· Need for protection.
· Potential for future injury.
For more information, contact Roanoke Police Domestic Violence Specialist P.J. Gold at (540) 853-6889 or Domestic Violence Investigator J.M. Call at (540) 853-5798.