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The Domestic Violence Center in the Santa Clarita Valley is the only agency that provides domestic violence services in the 200-square mile valley. As a result of Schwarzenegger's cut, which is immediate, they've lost 45%, or $207,222.00, of their annual funding, which they say will force them to close their doors later this year unless the community supports them with donations. In 2008, they served over 1,000 victims of domestic violence.
“As the Center’s Executive Director, I think about every client who has come through our doors and their horrific stories of abuse - I cannot help but cry when I think about what the loss of our services will mean to victims," said Executive Director Nicole Shellcroft in a statement. "Those who walk through our doors have suffered through broken bones, beatings, strangulation, food deprivation, arson, torture, genital mutilation and unspeakable sexual violence. They have been thrown down flights of stairs, have been victim to violent physical attacks during pregnancy and have even faced the prospect of murder. Victims seek our services to escape incredible violence aimed at them and their children."
Earlier this month, a Santa Clarita man killed his wife before committing suicide. Shellcroft related it to a domestic violence incident.
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Well at least we didn't raise taxes. That might slightly incovnenience some wealthy parasties, and we can't have that now.
I know I'll get shit for this, but what's the major difference between DOMESTIC violence and Regular violence? I mean, as long as the services for regular violence is still there, shouldn't it be used as well towards cases where it's just your partner causing violence on you instead of a total stranger?
Domestic violence is very, very, very different. It is more than just physical violence. It can be next to impossible to escape, is rarely reported, and has far worse, lasting emotional effects on the victims. Victims that do manage to escape are often stalked, and in extreme cases, killed.
I'm being very simplistic in my definition.
I encourage you to do some reading on this incredibly troubling subject. I would argue it's far worse than violence perpetrated by a total stranger, to use your analogy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Domestic_violence
Good comment Rob.
I would add that shelters provide an escape route to victims of domestic violence and are sometimes the victim's only way out of an abusive, potentially fatal relationship.
Closing shelters can be a death sentence someone with no other way out.
It's a whole other can of worms. LAPD officers team up with social workers on these cases and I believe are on call 24 hours. Responding officers will clear the premises and make sure it's clear and then the civilian will go inside the home. Because a relationship is involved, sometimes the victim does not want to speak out against the suspect, who many times is the marital partner or boyfriend/girlfriend. It's a huge problem because it can be a cycle with devasting emotional and psychological effects. All very scary, all very horrible.
Thanks for covering this, Zach. Here's a link I found from another article that has a form letter you can fill out and send over the 'net: http://www.capwiz.com/sfvo/issues/alert/?alertid=13807706&type=ML
I appreciate your raising this question, Javier, and nobody here seems to be giving you shit at all, nor should they. Many people don't understand the differences between domestic violence and other forms of violence. Thanks, too, everyone, for your insightful responses.
DV--like community violence and crime--is a systemic social problem, and it can't be solved by law enforcement responding to single incidents. The problem of violence in intimate relationships must be addressed on a societal level, through education and discussion. We all need to send a message that power and control have harmful effects on relationships. Children exposed to DV in their homes suffer negative outcomes throughout their lives. The Governor's willingness to cut funding for DV services illustrates his lack of understanding of the pervasiveness of this problem.
Thanks to Zach Behrens for reporting on this issue.
well maybe those dumb broads who keep going back to their abusive guys will learn that enough is enough! Why does it take money and programs to convince a 'victim' that getting punched, kicked and beaten by their significant other is wrong?
besides my little rant, I still say fuck Ahnold...