Describing Violence To Police: Negotiating Culpability and Victimhood - A Single Case Analysis

This study explores the challenges encountered by an individual during help-seeking for family harm and violence when describing a violent incident to the Police. It emphasises the negotiation of victimhood, justification for assistance, and the management of culpability. Despite previous research on interpersonal communication in emergency calls, there remains a gap in understanding the intricate dynamics of these situations and the nuanced gendered aspects involved. This analysis seeks to shed light on the complexities of emergency communication with and beyond gender-specific experiences.

Utilising conversation analysis (CA) for a single-case examination, this study reveals the linguistic strategies the caller employs when narrating a violent incident to the Police. Key strategies include negotiation of victimhood, acknowledgment of involvement with rejected culpability, and the minimisation and denial of violence. The caller strategically constructs a narrative, emphasising his victimhood and justifying his need for help. The focus of this analysis extends beyond gender to encompass the general challenges individuals encounter in using these linguistic strategies to receive help, but the insights gained provide a nuanced understanding of the communication dynamics in descriptions of violence and where gender may become relevant. The significance of this analysis extends beyond the individual case, offering insights into the interactive challenges individuals face when narrating experiences of violence. While the findings provide a nuanced understanding of the difficulties faced by this specific caller, the research does not aim for generalisability. Instead, it contributes to a broader comprehension of the dynamics involved when individuals, often hesitant to report violence, seek help. This research underscores the importance of recognising and understanding the complexities individuals face in describing experiences of violence, particularly within the context of help-seeking. By unravelling the linguistic strategies employed in emergency call discourse, the study contributes to the development of more effective support systems for individuals navigating the challenging terrain of violence narration and assistance-seeking behaviour. Understanding the challenges in help-seeking for family harm and violence, particularly from the perspective of men, is crucial for developing effective support systems. The study addresses an important gap in the literature, paving the way for more nuanced and gender-sensitive approaches to emergency communication and support.