A Message From The Prosecuting Attorney

The prosecution of domestic violence is among the highest priorities of the Office of the Porter County Prosecuting Attorney. The unique dynamics of domestic violence create inherent problems in the criminal justice system. Over the length of an intimate and abusive relationship, victims of domestic violence are constantly told the abuse is their fault. They will feel guilt for summoning aid from police, and feel responsible for the sanctions imposed by the criminal justice system. Because they often live in a world dominated by psychological terror, they will be very reluctant to "cooperate" with authorities. This is especially true if the system offers them no assistance, no protection, and no relief. Society often perpetuates the myths that domestic violence is the fault of the woman, who only had to leave to solve the problem. Police, Prosecutors, Probation Officers, and Judges have to be better educated in order to effectively deal with the problem.

Intervention systems must not overlook the children, who are themselves victims. The cycle of violence will continue from generation to generation. Children who witness domestic violence in the home are many times more likely to be abusive adults. This is a cost our society cannot afford to pay.

It is impossible to expect the victim of domestic violence to negotiate the complex maze of the legal system without help. Victim advocates who are knowledgeable about the legal system, and who understand the dynamics of domestic violence, must be available to give assistance. Through the Victim Assistance Program and the Domestic Violence Unit of the Porter County Prosecuting Attorney, help and information is available. An effective coordinated response to domestic violence is essential. Only with the aid of these dedicated rofessionals can true justice and healing be accomplished. We are proud to assist in making these important services available to the citizens of Porter County.

Domestic violence occurs among all kinds of people. It cuts across cultural, economic and social boundaries. It can involve the person you have worked with for ten years, your best friend who married her childhood sweetheart, your teenage daughter who just met someone new and exciting, or your next-door neighbor. Together, we can prevent domestic violence. We must work together toward the common goal of insuring the safety of victims and holding offenders accountable and responsible for their behavior. We must learn to take action.

Brian Gensel,
Porter County Prosecuting Attorney

Melanie Eggers,
Domestic Violence Unit Supervisor

Ona Torres,
Victim Assistance Coordinator


Fast Facts On Domestic Violence

Battering on women is the most under reported crime in America.

Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between the ages of 15 and 44 in the Untied States; more than car accidents, muggings, and rapes combined. "Violence Against Women, A Majority Staff Report", Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, 102nd Congresss, October 1992, p. 3.

Three to four million women in the United States are beaten in their homes each year by their husbands, ex-husbands, or male lovers. "Women And Violence", Hearings before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, August 29 and December 11, 1990, Senate Hearing 101-939, pt. 1, p. 12.

One women is beaten by her husband or partner every 15 seconds in the United States. Uniform Crime Reports, Federal Bureau of INvestigation, 1991

About one out of four women are likely to be abused by a partner in her lifetime. Sara Glazer, "Violence Against Women" co-researcher, Congressional Quarterly, Inc., Volume 3, Number 8, February 1993, p. 171

Approximately 95% of the victims of domestic violence are women. Statistics, National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women, Ruth Peachey, M.D. 1988.

Police report that between 40% and 60% of the calls they receive, especially on the night shift, are domestic violence disputes. Carrillo, Roxann "Violence Against Women: An Obstacle to Development", Human Development Report, 1990

Battering occurs among people of all races, ages, socio-economic classes, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds.

Fifty percent of all homeless women and children in this country are fleeing domestic violence. Senator Joseph Biden, U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Volence Against Women: Victims of the System, 1991

A battering incident is rarely an isolated event.

Battering tends to increase and become more violent over time.

Many batterers learned violent behavior growing up in an abusive family.

Twenty-five to forty-five percent of all women who are battered are battered during pregnancy.

Domestic violence does not end immediately with separation. Over 70% of the women injured in domestic violence cases are injured after separation.

Domestic violence is not only physical and sexual violence, but also psychological. Psychological violence means intense and repetitive degradation, creating isolation, and controlling the actions or behaviors of the spouse through intimidation to the detriment of the individual. "Five Year State Master Plan for the Prevention of and Service for Domestic Violence", Utah State Department of Human Services, January 1994


WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

1. Call 911 and report the incident. Write down the police report/incident number and keep with your records.
   
   
2. If necessary, seek medical attention. Have injuries documented and photographed.
   
   
3. Go to a safe place such as a domestic violence shelter.
   
   
4. Seek the support of caring people. Tell someone you trust about the abuse. They may be your friend, a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker, or staff members of support agencies. Talk to them in a private, safe place. You do not need to face abuse alone.
   
   
5. Have a safety plan. If your partner is abusive, have a plan to protect yourself and your children in case you need to leave quickly. If you are abused, be honest with yourself, think of the consequences, and get help.
   
   
6. File for a Protective Order that will tell your abuser to stay away.