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^.. ^ y ‘ K <br />li^fe,'-"’- <br />People are often not aware that domestic violence is an ongoing <br />cycle that will keep reoccurring until there is an intervention. <br />Once they understand that there is a way to arrest the problem or <br />reduce the incidences, they will ask for help either for <br />themselves or others. <br />ifev.,- <br />ife:m. <br />|fe <br />ir <br />Batterers need specific treatment for their abusive behavior. <br />**Abusive behavior is like alcoholism," according to Chuck Switzer <br />former batterer) who^s wife M’Liss is the author of CALLED TO <br />ACCOUNT. He says, "It gets progressively worse. The beatings get <br />more intense and they occur more often." <br />fe::- <br />Victims of domestic violence develop a very low self-esteem and <br />begin to think there is now way out of the abusive situation. <br />With support and encouragement, they are able to begin better <br />lives for themselves. <br />The most dangerous calls for police are domestics. Domestics can <br />lead to murder and suicides. "If an abuser doesn’t get <br />treatment, sooner or later he/she ends up permanently maiming a <br />person, killing someone, or killing him/herself," says Chuck <br />Switzer. Reduced calls to a residence lessens the danger for <br />police. Advocates aid our police by taking over where the police <br />ere unable. It is difficult for a police officer to drive a <br />victim to a shelter or hospital, and to tell the victims of <br />his/her legal options, when they are on call and are short of <br />time. <br />^ 'P'-i <br />fe’ <br />METHODS <br />. \ <br />tv'r ■ <br />4:m <br />•4- <br />if <br />-'ii <br />When the police departments make an arrest in a domestic assault <br />call, the police dispatch calls the primary volunteer crisis <br />advocate on a beeper. The primary advocate contacts his or her <br />pertner and they then go to the home of the victim to^ offer <br />support, safety, and legal options. The advocate is trained to <br />provide key information and assist the victim through the process <br />of prosecution. The advocate gives continued support whether an <br />Order of Protection is obtained or not. Whenever possible, the <br />assailant is also informed of the consequences he or she now <br />faces and the treatment programs available to help them to change <br />their behavior. <br />Instructions when receiving a call from the police departments <br />are specific: <br />(Weekdays between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. <br />On weekends from Friday at 5:00 p.m. through Monday morning at <br />-4f 4. <br />,-X- <br />K:;-; <br />8:00 a.m.) <br />i, officer makes an arrest based on probable cause <br />Officer calls beeper number.2. <br />m' ■ <br />■1 <br />•ir A ....