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Prosecutions > Domestic Violence |
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Domestic Violence / Violence Against
Women |
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Cycle of Violence
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Address Program
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Domestic
violence follows a pattern that is described as the cycle of abuse. It
is a pattern of living in which one person (usually the man) uses
violence or other abusive behavior to control and maintain power over a
spouse, partner or other family member. It may include physical abuse,
verbal abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse and/or sexual abuse.
It has a devastating impact on the self-esteem and quality of life of
victims and their children. It is the leading cause of injury and death
to women between the ages of 15-44, exceeding car accidents, muggings
and rapes. Domestic violence not only affects the abused victim, but it
also affects the children who witness the abuse. Statistics indicate
that domestic violence is the single best predictor of juvenile
delinquency and adult criminality.
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THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE |
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The first part of the cycle is known as the “tension building” period.
During this time, the batterer becomes edgy, irritable or impatient due
to work or family problems. The victim senses the batterer’s increasing
tension, knowing he’s getting ready to explode. She walks on eggshells,
being careful of what she says and how she acts. She may start hiding
guns or knives. The victim’s attempts to alleviate the tension are
futile, and the tension explodes into violence.
Violence is the second part of the cycle. It is the shortest but most
intense period. The batterer explodes and the victim is abused. The
batterer may make unreasonable demands upon the victim. He may yell at
the victim for hours, destroy something that has special meaning to her,
or give out severe physical punishment. The physical abuse can range
from pushing, slapping and punching to torture, rape and murder.
After the violence, a period of calm follows, which is known as the
“honeymoon” period. During this time, the defendant is kind, thoughtful,
charming, and remorseful. He may tell the victim that he is sorry, that
he loves her, and that he will never act that way again. He may bring
her flowers or buy her an expensive gift. He may also minimize the
violence and place the blame on the victim for causing the violence.
After a period of time, the cycle begins again.
The Tulare County
District Attorney’s Office is dedicated to meeting the problem of
domestic violence through specialized domestic violence programs. These
programs provide direct support to victims of domestic violence.
Services include emotional support, the dissemination of information
regarding the court process, liaison services between the prosecutor,
police and victim, and counseling and referral to necessary agencies as
required by the needs of the victim. These services are offered from the
minute the case is filed by our office, until the time the abuser is
sentenced and, in some cases, after sentencing.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, the Tulare County District
Attorney’s Office urges you to seek help. The violence will not go away
on its own. Remember, you have the right to be safe and so do your
children. No one has the right to physically or emotionally abuse you.
You are not alone.
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SPOUSAL ABUSER
PROSECUTION PROGRAM |
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The Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program was created in 1995. It is a
specialized unit comprised of a full-time vertical prosecutor and a
domestic violence counselor. The program is under the direction of the
Special Prosecutions Division. It serves the northern section of Tulare
County, specifically Visalia and Dinuba.
Vertical prosecution in domestic violence cases creates an atmosphere of
trust between the prosecutor and the victim because the victim deals
with the same prosecutor from the start of the case through completion.
The domestic violence counselor supports the prosecution of the case
through immediate, effective intervention with the victim.
In addition to aggressive prosecution, team members have developed
training protocols for internal deputy district attorney training, as
well as for shelter and law enforcement personnel. The program provides
brochures and information sheets for victims of domestic violence. These
brochures are distributed by our office, law enforcement and other
county agencies. |
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VIOLENCE AGAINST
WOMEN VERTICAL PROSECUTION PROGRAM |
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The Tulare County District Attorney’s Office was recently awarded a
$315,000 three-year grant to prosecute domestic violence and adult
sexual assault in the south county. The program is funded under the
federal Violence Against Women Act. The award is one of only 25 given
statewide.
The Violence Against Women Vertical Prosecution Program grant will
provide funding for an experienced felony Deputy District Attorney and
District Attorney Investigator who will be assigned to the south county.
The special prosecutor and investigator will work out of the Porterville
Division Office located at the courthouse on East Morton in
Porterville and become
another component of the District Attorney’s overall commitment to the
Porterville-Lindsay, southern Tulare County area.
This program is a continuation of your District Attorney’s dedication to
protecting women, children, and families through the Family Protection
Division.
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SAFE AT HOME |
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Confidential Address Program |
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The Confidential
Address Program is administered by the office of the Secretary of State,
Bill Jones. It is a no cost mail forwarding service designed to help
victims of domestic violence who have recently moved or plan to move to
a safe place unknown to their abusers.
The staff at the
Victim/Witness Assistance Center has been trained to assist victims of
domestic violence in the enrollment process. Any interested victim of
domestic violence is encouraged to contact the Victim/Witness Assistance
Bureau at (559) 733-6754 for further information. |
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