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Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is more than just a "family
problem" - it is a crime!
In California, it is a crime for any person
to threaten, beat, sexually assault, or otherwise harm another person,
even if they are married.
Battering is not exclusively a crime against women, but women are the majority of victims; thus, this is primarily directed to the battered wife or woman.
Although there are few statistics on the incidence of domestic violence, we do know that:
- Their husbands or boyfriends kill approximately 30
percent of female homicide victims
in the United States. - Females are much more likely than males to be killed by their spouse.
- Domestic violence affects at least one out of every four American families.
Why Do They Stay?
The most frequently asked question concerning
a battering situation is, "Why does she stay?" While reasons
range from children, love, guilt, fear, pride, embarrassment, financial
dependence - or a combination thereof - it is very possible that the woman
is locked into a violence cycle.
Three-Phase Theory of Family Violence
The family violence cycle consists of three
phases: the tension-building phase, the acute-battering incident, and
the loving reconciliation.
Tension-Building Phase
During this phase, the woman senses her mate's
increasing tension. He is "edgy" and perhaps challenges her
and/or tells her she is stupid or incompetent. The woman may internalize
her appropriate anger at his unfairness, and experience physical effects
such as depression, tension, anxiety, and headaches. As the tension in
the relationship increases, minor episodes of violence, such as pinching,
slapping, or shoving, increase.
Acute-Battering Incident
The tension-building phase ends in an explosion
of violence. The woman may or may not fight back. Following the battering,
she is in a state of physical and psychological shock. The man may discount
the episode and underestimate the woman's injuries.
Loving Reconciliation
During the last phase of the family violence cycle,
both parties have a sense of relief that "it's over." The man
is often genuinely sorry for what happened and is fearful that his partner
will leave him. He apologizes and may "shower" her with love
and praise that helps her repair her shattered self-esteem. He tells her
he can't live without her, so that she feels responsible for his well
being and guilty for her actions. She blames herself for her actions and
for what led up to the abuse.
Increasing Spiral of Violence
Once violence has begun, it continues to increase
in both frequency and severity. Understanding the psychological consequences
of the violent relationship can help the woman take power and choose constructive
alternatives, as well as aid those who intervene to help her.
If You Become a Victim of Domestic Violence
- Call the police or sheriff.
- Make sure you are safe from another beating. Whenever you believe you are in danger, leave your home and take your children with you. Also, take important papers such as your birth certificate and vehicle registration.
- Get medical attention. Don't try to treat yourself; you may be injured much more seriously than you realize.
- Seek assistance. Whether or not you file charges against your batterer, you may need to talk to a professional about your situation. Contact your local battered women's shelter, women's support group, or victims' assistance center.
- Save all the evidence (proof) you can. (You may even want to take photographs of your injuries.) Whether or not you file charges now, you may later change your mind and will then need proof that you have been assaulted.
A Way Out
Everyone has the right to be safe from threats
and beatings - but you must take that first step. Once you recognize that
it isn't your fault and it is possible to change your situation, seek
the help you need.
Help Available
- If you need help, look in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under "Women's Services and Organizations."
- If nothing is listed, look under the name of your city or county for departments of family services, social services, health, or welfare. These agencies can offer help to you or refer you to someone who can help.
- Check the white pages of your telephone book under the heading "Crisis." Many areas have crisis hot lines that are answered 24 hours a day.
- Remember that your local police and sheriff's departments are there to help you. You should always have their numbers handy for an emergency.
- Other sources of help and/or referral are the Salvation Army or your private physician or attorney.
- Also, look in the yellow pages under "Attorney Referral Service," "Legal Assistance" or "Bar Association" if you have a low income and need a lawyer.
Contact Information
For further information on this program and
other crime prevention material, write to Crime and Violence Prevention
Center, California Attorney General's Office, P.O. Box 944255, Sacramento,
CA 94244-2550, or visit http://caag.state.ca.us/cvpc
- Ventura Police Department Emergency, call 9-1 -1
After hours Ventura Police Department, 805-650-8010 - Interface: Children and Family Services, 800-339-9597
- Battered Women's Hotline, 805-656-1111
- Ventura County Victim Services, 805-654-3622
Crime Prevention Topics:
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