LIBERTY TWP, Ohio - Statistically speaking a domestic violence call is the most dangerous call a police officer can respond to, that's according to Liberty Township Police Chief Rich Tisone.

In fact, 14% of officer deaths in recent years occurred while responding to domestic violence calls, and law enforcement officers say when you add guns and alcohol to the mix that's when lives are on the line.

Chief Tisone says there's a specific protocol when it comes to domestic violence calls, and that includes a minimum of two officers to a call. If one officer arrives first, they are instructed to wait for backup to arrive unless someone is in imminent danger.

"One of the most crucial times at a domestic violence call is when you're exiting the car. Believe it or not most police officers are shot as they're exiting their vehicle," Chief Tisone said.

That's why officers try to get as much information from the 911 dispatcher as possible, so they know what they're walking into.

"We look for have you been to the house before, what is the situation, has someone been injured, is there alcohol involved, are there weapons involved," Chief Tisone said.

Domestic violence is often about power and control, and when police arrive on the scene of a domestic disturbance the abuser can feel threatened, and that's when they sometimes lose control.

Malinda Gavins with Sojourner House works with domestic violence survivors and tells 21 News, "If there's weapons involved when police arrive there a lot of times the abuser feels like they don't have anything to lose. Because they're thinking I'm about to lose my family. I'm about to take my own life so what do I have to lose?"

Police say domestic disturbances are always unpredictable and while most people believe it's a man that's the abuser, there are female abusers as well.

If you are in an abusive relationship and need help you can contact the Sojourner House at: (330) 747-4040 or their 24 Hour Phone Line at 866-436-6269.