There are survivors who have had painful experiences when they reached out for help. Some felt dismissed. Some weren’t believed. Some walked away feeling more alone than when they made the call. Those experiences are real, and they deserve to be acknowledged.
But we also need to be careful not to let one painful experience become a judgment of every person who wears a badge.
The truth is, not all cops are bad.
Across this country, there are law enforcement officers who go to work every day because they genuinely want to protect people. They answer calls they know could be dangerous. They comfort frightened children. They stand with victims in the middle of the worst days of their lives. They investigate crimes, make difficult decisions, and often carry the weight of what they have seen long after their shift is over.
At RADV, we believe in fairness.
If we ask people not to judge every survivor by the actions of one person, then we should also avoid judging every officer by the actions of a few.
That doesn’t mean ignoring mistakes or refusing to hold people accountable. Accountability matters. Survivors deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and compassion every time they ask for help. When systems fail, they should improve. When people make poor choices, they should be held responsible.
But there are also officers who listen.
Officers who stay after the report is finished because they know someone needs to talk.
Officers who connect survivors with advocates, shelters, and resources.
Officers who refuse to give up on someone because they know that one act of kindness can change a life.
Those officers deserve to be recognized too.
Domestic violence is a community problem. No single organization can solve it alone. Advocates, shelters, attorneys, counselors, healthcare workers, faith leaders, neighbors, and law enforcement all have a role to play. When everyone works together with the survivor’s safety at the center, lives can be changed.
At Riders Against Domestic Violence, we have met officers who care deeply about the people they serve. We have also heard stories from survivors whose experiences were disappointing. Both realities exist.
Our goal isn’t to divide people.
Our goal is to build bridges.
If you’ve had a negative experience with law enforcement, don’t lose hope. Another officer, another advocate, or another agency may respond very differently. Keep reaching out until you find someone who listens.
And to the officers who continue showing compassion, treating survivors with respect, and serving with integrity…
Thank you.
Your kindness may be remembered for a lifetime.
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21
— Dave Beatty
Founder, Riders Against Domestic Violence (RADV)
We Are the Bridge