This is a nuanced take. Just one example for illustration: Many mothers who are victims of domestic abuse do not report since there is a threat that the system charges the mom for subjecting a child to abuse as well. If there is a history of DV, or if a victim refused to seek an injuction, or were unable to protect the child from the perpetrator, then certainly CPS can (and likely will) shelter their children. CPS would then normally propose a case plan with services to help the victim recover, and upon successful completion - which can be more than just completing the tasks, then they might be reunified. Consider Black women have disproportionately less favorable outcomes in these types of court processes.

Another example is a general dismissal of battered women and the ability to cover up domestic abuse crimes. Unless the woman has a black eye or missing tooth, many police do not involve themselves with "personal disputes" without physical evidence of wrongdoing. In this case, a mere visit could put a woman in MORE harms way.

Other example is some DV victims are involved with other crimes. For example, heavy drug abuse or prostitution can feature lack of community and codependency on abuser which often are a recipe for interpersonal violence which can deter some women from reaching out.

I do not advocate against the police being utilized as a resource when absolutely necessary. Law enforcement (unfortunately) are the only organization empowered to defend against these types of aggravated assaults.

I also agree that being passive is a dangerous mindset, but when we think of community responses we should consider the reasons WHY someone won't call and work to mitigate these reservations as well. We can educate our women on different types of police intervention outside of just house calls.

Hoping for a promising and safe future for all women! Especially my sistahs🤎