Domestic Violence! It is no respecter of age, gender or socio-economic background. Unfortunately, it’s something our police department sees on a regular basis. Domestic violence, how it’s dealt with, and what can be done to help its victims were all topics covered at the CAC (Citizens Advisory Committee) meeting on 20 February. If you need information or help, or know of someone who does, there are people you can call.
Victim Services Section – Specialists are located at each district station. There is a multi-lingual staff, 24 hours/7 days a week on-call , who will provide service to all crime categories and provide crisis intervention. The services they can provide include: Court accompaniment /transportation, witness preparation, liaison for officer/detective/commonwealth attorney, police escort, home visits, SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) exams, CICF (Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund), telephone outreach, victim notification, and counseling referrals /community resources.
Franconia – Monica Meeks at Monica.Meeks@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-922-0889 ext. 2291
Sully – Jacqi Smith 703-814-7027
Mt. Vernon – Melissa Wallace 703-360-8400 ext. 2315
McLean – Allison Smuck 703-556-7750 ext. 2260
Mason – Carolyn Kinney 703-256-8035 ext. 2387
Reston – Adrian Berkey 703-478-5118
West Springfield – Staci Richards 703-644-7377 ext. 2266
Fair Oaks – Nickole Porter 703-591-0966 ext. 2247
Domestic Violence is defined as:
§ 18.2-57.2 Assault and Battery against a Family or Household Member
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§ 18.2-57.2A Any person who commits an assault and battery against a family or household member is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor
§ 18.2-57.2B Upon a conviction for assault and battery against a family or household member where such person has been previously convicted of 2 offenses against a family or household member is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
When the police receive a call which involves domestic violence, their guideline comes from General Order 601.4 (IV. E (1) §19.2-81.3B An officer having probable cause to believe that a violation of 18.2-57.2 or 16.1-253.2 has occurred shall arrest and take into custody the person the officer has probable cause to believe, based on the totality of the circumstances, was the predominant physical aggressor.
Some common characteristics of domestic violence victims are guilt (feels responsible for being battered), low self-esteem, history of abuse (grew up in violent home), isolation (feels isolated and does not trust others), dependence (emotionally and economically on the batterer), powerless (feeling that no one will be able to help), denial (minimizes injuries), passive, severe stress reaction, fearful of being insane, and accepts violence.
There are many reasons why the victim does not leave the situation or returns to it: financial, children, fear, she loves him, blames herself, is embarrassed, she’s tried before, immigration issues, disabilities, isolation, religious beliefs, fear of being outed, no guarantees of safety, and promises to change by the batterer. The cycle of abuse is: tension (walking on eggshells), explosion (incident of abuse), honeymoon (love and hope), hook (abuser apologizes but blames the victim).
What can be said about the abuser? Is it an anger management problem? No, the police say.
90% of batterers do not have criminal records and they don’t usually have violent encounters at work or other locations, indicating they can manage their anger just fine! It’s a learned behavior usually involving a family history of abuse. It’s to maintain POWER AND CONTROL!
Some early warning signs are: the abuser blames others, resents his partner’s success, is unable to express himself clearly, exhibits controlling behavior, has hit before (once the social taboo is broken, it’s easy to do it again), demands strict control, has unrealistic expectations, exhibits hypersensitivity (feelings hurt easily), is cruel to animals/children, playful use of force during sex, verbal abuse, rigid sex roles, threats of violence, and any use of force during an argument.
Leaving an abusive situation is more than just an event, it’s a process. Emergency Protective Orders (EPO) will probably be involved: § 19.2-81.3D In every case in which a law enforcement officer makes an arrest under this section, he SHALL petition for an EPO when the person arrested and taken into custody is brought before the magistrate (unless minor).
Preliminary/Permanent Protective Orders (PPO/PO) can: prohibit further acts of family abuse, limit/prohibit contact between offender and victim, limit/prohibit contact between offender and any children or household members, require offender to vacate premises/stay away from victim’s new residence, grant victim possession of home or suitable alternative housing for victim and children/household members and grant victim temporary possession or use of motor vehicle jointly owned. It’s a civil process but it becomes criminal when violated: an assault occurs, the offender comes on the property, or the offender has contact of any nature (calls, text messages, letters, etc.).
For further information or help, please contact Detective Monica Meeks at Monica.Meeks@FairfaxCounty.gov or 703-922-0889 ext. 2291. Don’t become a statistic!
The Franconia Station Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meets every third Wednesday of the month. A special presentation or class begins at 6:30 p.m. and the actual CAC meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. As an integral part of the CAC meeting, the captain of the Franconia Police Station gives a report and answers questions from concerned citizens. Captain Jim Baumstark knows and appreciates the value of concerned and involved citizens and welcomes your attendance at the CAC meetings! All are welcome. NO membership, dues or R.S.V.P. required. Come!