I wouldn't say portrayed... but the truth in the story sure points in both directions unequivocally, YES.
And In Utah, from what I understand police officers now are required to ask a set of 11 questions during a domestic violence call, known as a "lethality assessment," to evaluate the potential danger a victim might be in; these questions focus on threats of violence, weapon access, controlling behaviors, and past incidents of abuse, helping to determine if the victim needs immediate intervention and access to support services.
I WISH they'd have used (something like) this when they Pulled over Brian and Gabby instead of sending him to a hotel and directing her her to a nearby PAY SHOWER?! 
moo
eta ~The documentary says that even after they were separated by the police and told to stay that way for the night, separated, they did not and met up later that night :/