Domestic Violence Awareness Month; OK ranks high in domestic violence fatalities

So this week in the Legal Corner, we are going to begin discussing a few of the history, issues and effects associated with domestic violence. Additionally, in 1989 a public law was passed by the United States Congress establishing the month of October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Add abuse, criminal sexual conduct, and stalking, and that number jumps to 3,800. If the LAPD is undercounting domestic violence incidents, then the city is presumably understaffing and underfunding its domestic violence response.

Domestic violence is common. That’s no longer the case.

“One is four women is a victim of domestic violence, which means physical, emotional and honor violence, when parents and siblings react to a perceived tarnished-honor the woman has done to a family, and all domestic violence should not be tolerated in any form”, she said.

For her protection, we can’t share her face or name, but this domestic violence victim wants her voice to be heard.

Students and members of the community walk from Meetinghouse Park in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Two-thirds said they were afraid law enforcement would not believe them, or do nothing. Schmittdiel works at MSU Safe Place in East Lansing which provides emergency shelter, counseling and safety planning for survivors of violence. The MVP club will create a visible display during homecoming week representing the 109 deaths in Arizona a year ago due to domestic violence and hand out purple ribbons for people to wear.

Fairfax County Domestic Violence Coordinator Sandy Bromley, one of the advocates available 24/7, says, “We’re connected immediately with that victim”. 

If you or someone you know is in need of help or information, Boston-based organization The Network/La Red is a great resource.

“Far too often victims of domestic violence are afraid to speak up and end up suffering in silence”, said Serrano, who represents parts of the upper Manhattan. Senator Kip Bateman (R-16th L.D.) will serve as MC and speakers will include a domestic violence’ survivor. Sometimes, it is administered carefully so bruises won’t show, and many times, it is even more insidious, bruising and scarring the mind, the spirit, the self-worth and the dignity of the abused person. Among those attending were the three children and parents of Leonor Castillo, 37, who was run over by her former husband, Cesar Castillo, in Chula Vista in November 2014.