What is the role of law enforcement in domestic violence cases?

The role of law enforcement in domestic violence cases primarily involves responding to incidents and assisting victims. When they are alerted to a situation, police are trained to assess the immediate safety of individuals involved. Their responsibilities include ensuring that victims receive the necessary support, such as medical attention, safe refuge, or information about resources like shelters and counseling services. Furthermore, law enforcement has the authority to arrest the offender if a crime is committed, which helps protect the victim and prevent further violence.

The other options, while they touch on aspects related to domestic violence, do not accurately represent the primary responsibilities of law enforcement. Providing legal counsel falls outside the purview of police, as they are not legal practitioners. Conducting mediation might imply a role more suited to social services or mediation professionals and could be inappropriate in the context of potential danger. Determining the guilt of an offender is a function of the judicial system and occurs in a courtroom, not by law enforcement directly on the scene. Thus, the focus of law enforcement is rooted in immediate response and victim assistance, promoting safety first.