When domestic violence is committed, it strikes at the very heart of families and relationships. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as District Attorney and a former judge who has presided over domestic violence cases, I am committed to holding offenders who engage in criminal behavior accountable for their actions, and providing victims and their children the assistance they need. In addition, my office is engaged in public education initiatives aimed at preventing domestic violence before it disrupts the lives of its victims.
Domestic violence involves one intimate partner’s deliberate choice to exert undue power and control over his (or less often, her) partner, using methods of control that range from physical to emotional abuse. Despite common misconceptions, abusers do not lose their tempers or engage in abusive behavior because they are intoxicated; their behavior is a conscious choice. When this behavior violates our criminal laws, I am committed to prosecuting these individuals to the fullest extent of the law.
Beyond my commitment to vigorous prosecution, I am also working with community partners on preventing domestic violence. Teens are a special focus, not least because they lack the life experience to understand or respond adequately to abusive or threatening behavior. Surveys have found that nationwide nearly one in ten high school aged students has been hit, slapped or physically hurt on purpose by a boyfriend or girlfriend. Prosecutors from my office address violence in teen relationships in presentations to Westchester County’s high school students.
In addition, in 2008, we worked with the Office of Court Administration to create the youthful offender domestic violence court in Yonkers. Staff from my office as well as our community partners is available to assist teen victims of domestic violence in getting counseling and other services to support them throughout the criminal justice process. Sentences for these offenders, aged 16 to 21, include referrals to programs that ensure accountability for their acts, as well as programs that provide needed education, job training and parenting skills. The goal is to intervene with young people to break the cycle of abuse and recidivism so often associated with domestic violence cases.
My office is also collaborating on a conference this month, “Men Speaking to Men to Stop Violence against Women”. The focus of the conference is on the important role that men can play in changing the way the community thinks about violence against women. This initiative is sponsored by the African American Men of Westchester, Inc. (www.aamw.com), in partnership with My Sister’s Place (www.mysistersplaceny.org ), and other community partners including the District Attorney’s Office. I hope some of you will have joined us at this important event on October 2 at Purchase College.
In 2009, my office handled 2,800 cases that involved domestic violence. We as a community – law enforcement, faith based and community organizations -- have a shared responsibility to do more, not only to prosecute offenders and provide assistance to victims, but to increase public awareness and enhance our efforts to prevent domestic violence. For more information, go to the District Attorney’s Office website, www.westchesterda.net.
Janet DiFiore is the Westchester County District Attorney.
