Which factor is considered when determining the dominant aggressor?

• A. the need to protect victims of DV
• B. the weather
• C. the day of the week
• D. the suspect's favorite color

Answer: (A)

Determining the dominant aggressor centers on safety and the pattern of violence. Officers assess who posed the greater ongoing threat and who initiated or escalated the violence, considering factors like any history of abuse between the parties, injuries sustained, threats made, and use of weapons, as well as the victim’s fear. The guiding factor is the need to protect victims of domestic violence, ensuring the person most responsible for the violence is identified and the victim’s safety is prioritized. Details like the weather, the day of the week, or a color preference don’t influence who is the dominant aggressor.