30. Domestic Violence Calls Are the Worst
British working-class resentment of Victorian police for interfering with street life was bad enough. Even worse was the resentment when the cops got involved in any crime having to do with domestic affairs and affrays. Cops who approached private residences, regardless of the motive, risked a hostile reception.
Even knocking on doors to alert residents to security lapses, such as leaving a door or window open at night, was problematic. Such good deeds were often met not with gratitude, but with abuse and violence from Victorians assailing the cops for their temerity in disturbing their peace. The Bobbies’ reluctance to get involved in instances of domestic violence was well-founded because they feared encountering the wrath of both parties, who often temporarily forgot their own squabble and united to attack the cops.