Imagine being in fear of the person you care about most. Imagine feeling you have nowhere to turn because you lack resources, perhaps have children to care for and you don’t know if family and friends will believe you.
It happens every day. Add to that the actual violence that occurs between intimate partners, from a strong grab to homicide. Consider the children who witness the violence and fear for their own safety and their parents’ safety. Ponder the statistics that suggest it will take seven acts of violence before a victim is able to leave the abusive relationship. In the meantime, lives are shattered and there is collateral damage. A child disrupts the classroom because of chaos at home. An employee misses work. Families are disrupted. The entire community is impacted.
In October, we recognize domestic violence in our community and become more aware of what we are doing and what more we can be doing to reduce the violence. Please join the Victim Services division of the District Attorney’s Office at the Board of Supervisors proclaiming October as Domestic Violence Awareness month, on Oct. 3, 2017 at 1:30 p.m.
We will focus on community involvement and resources for victims of domestic violence. With a recent increase in domestic violence related homicides in Sonoma County, awareness is essential to provide those suffering with a way out and a new perspective. There is help for victims and families to get the tools and assistance needed to be safe.
Victim Services assigns advocates to help guide victims through the criminal justice process, and our compensation unit can assist with filing a claim to cover therapy, medical expenses related to the crime and reimbursement for relocation. Our Family Justice Center (FJC) provides wrap-around services to victims by a wide range of onsite community partners.
A domestic violence victim can meet with a YWCA advocate to discuss entering the safe house, creating a safety plan and attending support groups. Legal Aid services are available to assist with obtaining a civil restraining order. If a crime report is needed, law enforcement can meet with the client at FJC to gather information and evidence. If there are housing issues due to victimization, the Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) can screen and provide vouchers for immediate needs. These are just some of the free resources at the Family Justice Center located at 2755 Mendocino Avenue in Santa Rosa.
Together we can make our community a safer place through education, support and involvement. Please help.
Michelle Carstensen is the Director of Victim Services, Office of the District Attorney
