Domestic Violence Investigations
Domestic violence investigations are among the most frequent—and most consequential—calls professionals will ever face. Yet too often, critical evidence is missed, victims are misunderstood, and dangerous offenders remain undetected until tragedy strikes.
In Domestic Violence Investigations: A Practitioner's Workbook, former Special Victims Detective Kevin D. McNeil provides a practical, field-tested guide for law enforcement officers, victim advocates, social workers, prosecutors, and faith leaders who are committed to getting these cases right.
Built around the innovative V.I.C.T.I.M. Framework—Validate, Identify, Collect, Team, Intervene, Make the Case—this workbook transforms complex domestic violence dynamics into actionable investigative strategies. Inside, you'll learn how to: Recognize patterns of coercive control and lethality before violence escalates. Investigate strangulation, stalking, sexual assault, and digital abuse with confidence. Conduct trauma-informed victim interviews that increase disclosure and trust.
Build evidence-based cases that survive recantation and courtroom scrutiny. Identify hidden evidence in crime scenes, technology, witness accounts, and prior history. Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams to improve victim safety and offender accountability. Navigate cultural, faith-based, language, and elder-abuse considerations with professionalism and sensitivity. Filled with checklists, case studies, investigative tips, legal guidance, and scenario-based exercises, this workbook is designed to bridge the gap between training and practice.
Whether you are responding to your first domestic violence call or refining years of investigative experience, this resource will strengthen your ability to protect victims, uncover the truth, and build cases that stand. Because every domestic violence call is more than an incident—it may be the moment that determines whether a victim lives or dies.
Kevin D. McNeil is a former Special Victims Detective, ordained minister, author, speaker, and founder of The Twelve Project. His work focuses on trauma-informed investigations, multidisciplinary collaboration, and creating systems that protect the vulnerable while holding offenders accountable.
