The Orange Police Department is concerned with domestic violence. We have documented an alarming trend in reported instances of abuse. What we are fearful of, though, is that of those reported, many have occurred without professional intervention. Domestic violence cases are brought forward and victims and offenders are identified. However, a victim's first contact with law enforcement or the courts rarely happens after the first, or even the second incident. Historically, our legal system has become involved only after the pattern of abuse is well established; the level of physical injury has become serious, or the violence has spread beyond the intimate relationship or family. The following table shows that Orange has experienced a steady flow of cases related to domestic violence. There is an increasing percentage of cases that come as a result of a felonious assault.
Myths and Facts about Domestic Violence
Myth 1: Domestic violence does not affect many people.
A woman was beaten every 15 seconds according to 1983 statistics. Domestic violence is the leading cause of injury to women between ages 15 and 44 in the United States--more than car accidents, other assaults and rapes. In 1992, the Surgeon General concluded that battered women are more likely to suffer miscarriages and to give birth to babies with low birth weights. In 1992, nearly two-thirds of the young men between the ages of 11 and 20 who are serving time for homicide have killed their mother's abuser.
Myth 2: Battering is only a momentary loss of temper.
Battering is the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse. The batterer uses acts of violence and a series of behaviors, including intimidation, threats, psychological abuse, isolation, etc. to coerce and to control the other person. The violence may not happen often, but it remains as a hidden and constant terrorizing factor (Uniform Crime Reports, FBI, 1992). It has been reported in the state of Maine that 20% of women victimized by their spouses or ex-spouses said that they had been victimized over and over again by the same person.
Myth 3: Domestic violence only occurs in poor, urban areas.
Women of all cultures, races, occupations, income levels, and ages are battered by husbands, boyfriends, lovers and partners. Approximately one third of the men who were counseled are professional men who are well respected in their jobs and communities.
Myth 4: Domestic violence is just a push, slap or punch--it does not produce serious injuries.
Battered women are often severely injured. According to an A.M.A. study in 1992, one in four pregnant women have a history of partner violence.
Myth 5: It is easy for battered women to leave their abuser.
Women who leave their batterers are at a greater risk of being killed by the batterer than those who stay. Nationally, half of all homeless women and children in 1991 were on the streets because of violence in the home.
From: "Domestic Violence: The Facts" -- A Handbook to STOP violence, Battered Women Fighting Back, Boston, MA.
Other Facts:
In 1994, nearly 2 of 3 female victims of violence were related to or knew their attacker. Many women fail to report their attacks to police because they feared retaliation from the offender. Annually, compared to males, females experienced over 10 times as many incidents of violence by an intimate.
It was reported in 1991 that each year, medical expenses from domestic violence total at least $3 to $5 billion. Businesses forfeit another $100 million in lost wages, sick leave, absenteeism and non-productivity. It is estimated that a quarter of all workplace problems such as absenteeism, lower productivity, turnover and excessive use of medical benefits are due to family violence.
In a 1990 national survey, half of the men who frequently assaulted their wives also frequently abused their children. Child abuse is more likely to occur in families where domestic violence is present. In 1995, a California study found that children who witnessed violence at home displayed emotional and behavioral disturbances as diverse as withdrawal, low self-esteem, nightmares, self-blame and aggression against peers, family members and property.
O.P.D. Domestic Violence Unit:
The Violent Crimes Unit investigates domestic violence. We presently have several detectives who spend a majority of their time in this important area. We have developed a sound working relationship with our local district attorney's office and have been successful in prosecuting offenders and referring victims to agencies that can help them through troubling periods. The following section shows local agencies who are there to help.
Mariposa Women's Center (714) 547-6494.
Battered Women's Self Help Hotline (714) 854-3554.
Domestic Violence Assistance Program (714) 935-7956.
Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 799-7233.
Human Options Shelter (714) 854-3554.
Interval House Shelter (714) 891-8121.
Restraining Order information (714) 973-0134.
Women's Transitional Living Center (714) 992-1931.
