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Domestic Violence (1.07 Mpeg Video Clip)
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| Domestic violence is a serious national problem which affects millions of households. It crosses all cultural, racial, religious, and economic boundaries. Statistics indicate that 50-60% of the estimated 47 million couples in this country have suffered at least one violent incident, and 10-25% suffer domestic violence as a common occurrence. |
| The victims of domestic violence are primarily women and their children. It has been documented that domestic violence is the single major cause of injury to women, exceeding rapes, muggings, and even auto accidents. According to the FBI, 25% of all murders nationwide are the result of domestic violence and 30% of all female homicide victims are killed by their husbands or boyfriends. |
Physical abuse of a spouse has been documented in nearly half of all the validated cases of child abuse and neglect in Los Angeles County. According to the Southern California Coalition of Battered Women, 63% of young men between the ages of 11 and 20 who are incarcerated for homicide in California, killed their mother's batterer. These statistics overwhelmingly demonstrate that all communities, including Santa Monica, are seriously affected by domestic violence. If you are in a violent home environment
you are not alone!
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| The Santa Monica Police Domestic Crisis Unit recommends the following: |
- Report an act of violence to the police.
If you are in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. The operator will ask you questions in order to determine the nature of the emergency and provide the best possible response. To report an incident after danger has subsided, call (310) 458-8491.
- Don't be reluctant to have the police arrest your spouse. Studies show that when the police arrest a suspect for domestic violence, the offender is less likely to assault the victim again. The police are required, by law, to arrest a suspected batterer when the victim shows visible marks.
- Talk to a trained professional to discuss what options are available to you.
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| Help for domestic violence is available from: |
- SMPD Domestic Crisis Unit (8 am - 7:30 p.m.) at (310) 458-8451
- L.A. Commission on Assaults Against Women (24 Hours) at (310) 392-8381
- Sojourn Shelter for Battered Women (24 hours) at (310) 264-6644 (7/19/2000)
- Westside Legal Services (Restraining orders for victims of domestic violence)
1725 Main Street (8:30-Noon, Mon-Fri) / Room 121
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