Domestic Disputes Up Around Holidays
posted 07/03/09
8:09 pm
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Lynchburg, VA -
This Fourth of July weekend should be a time to bring families together, but it's shaping up to be a tough one for some, already tense relationships. Holidays historically rate among the most challenging times for victims of domestic violence.
There are already some indicators that this year could be even more difficult. Just last month, the Lynchburg YWCA's home for battered women admitted 16 new victims of domestic violence. That's three more than a year ago.
Summer and holidays are- by the numbers- the two worst times of the year for domestic violence Throw in a tough economy and this 4th of July doesn't look like much of a holiday for the people who fight to keep those numbers down. The calls have already started. No surprise to the people who see it every year.
Capt. Brandon Zuidema, Lynchburg Police (web) Department - "People and families tend to come together which, of course, increases the likelihood of a domestic occurring. Then, additionally, you've got the situation where holidays tend to involve alcohol."
Kay Roakes, YWCA Family Violence Prevention Program - "I think it all starts out as good family time, but, you know that lots of times, good times turn into bad times."
Today is the first day in a long weekend for most Americans. With Lynchburg's first call for a domestic dispute coming in before lunch, it could be especially long for police.
Capt. Zuidema - "It's their family situation, and this police officer that doesn't know them is expected to try to resolve it, at least temporarily."
The resolution isn't always easy to find.
Capt. Zuidema - "A lot of times, the victim doesn't want to prosecute because they're in fear."
For the most part, Virginia law dictates how it'll all play out. If the officer suspects assault, it doesn't matter what the victim wants one person is going to jail. In a lot of cases, the other will end up with a person like Kay Roakes.
Roakes - "We try to help them make sense of it all, and we try to lead them in the right direction, but ultimately it's up to them."
Whatever they choose, it's rarely easy. Not much holiday, after all.
Roakes - "It's a real hard decision to make when you have a family and nowhere to go."
By 1992, more than a quarter of the states had laws that required officers make an arrest any time they're called to a domestic dispute.
Virginia's law has a little more leeway, but officers are still required to make an arrest if they see a physical injury like a cut or bruise- or if they have probable cause to believe an assault has taken place.
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