03-22-1993 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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exempt from violent crimes, but prevention/intervention programs that exist within a comiminity according to the liCague of Women Voter ’s Study on Domestic Violence, April J990, "Appears to be ideal venues for responding to individuals who have been violent or at risk for violent behavior." Due to the demographics of the area, surrounded by lakes, the area is not easily accessible. This makes it difficult for county funded programs to service the area. Child protection workers, and the two closest shelters were not adequately servicing the area because of the long distance to travel. In fact, the West llennepin Human Services l^anning Hoard found tJiat the area is in dire need of social services including the area of domestic violence. Westonka Intervention, a local community based program, was created as a response to this need. Program Objective The objectives of the program are to increase the communities awareness of the problems of domestic violence, to provide victims with access to support, and decrease numbers of repeatea domestic violence. People are often not aware that domestic violence is an ongoing cycle that will keep reoccurring until there is an intervention. Once they understand that there is a way to arres* the pr blem or reduce the incidences, they will ask for help eithei or themselves or others. Batterers need specific treatment for their abusive behavior. "Abusive behavior is like alcoholism," according to Chuck Switzer (a former __ batterer) who ’s wife M’Liss is the author of CAIXED TO ACCOUNT. He says, "It gets progressively worse. The beatings get more intense and they occur more often." . . . Victims of domestic violence develop a very low self-esteem and begin to tliink there is no way out of the abusive situation. With support and encouragement, they are able to begin better lives for themselves. The most dangerous calls for police are domestics. Domestics can lead to murder ancTsuicidcs. "If an abuser doesn ’t ger treatment, sooner or later he/she ends up permanently maiming a person, killing someone, or killing him/hersclf," says Chuck Switzer. Keduced calls to a residence lessens the danger for police. Advocates aid our police 1^ taking oyer where the police are unable. It is difficult for a police officer to drive a victim to a shelter or hospital, and to tell the victims of his/her legal options when they are on cull and are short of time. METHODS ... , „ When the police departments make an arrest in a domestic assault call, the police dispatch cabs the primary volunteer crisis advocate on a beeper. The primary advocate contacts his or her partner and *hey then go to the home of the victim to offer support, safety, and legal ^ options. The advocate trained to provide key irJormation and assist the victim through the process of prosecution. The advocate gives eontinm ‘il support whether an Order of Protection is obtained or not. Whenever possible, the assailant is also inlormed of the consequences