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P.'.. <br />itv::'.' <br />‘k ■ r>-: <br />QA/estonfca ,Otitc;a«ntioi) 'T’/io'cct <br />PcopU are often not aware that domestic violence is an ongoing cycle <br />that will keep reoccurring until there is an intervention. Once they <br />understand that there is a way to arrest the problem or reduce the incidences, <br />they will ask for help either for themselves or others. <br />Batterers need specific treatment for their abusive behavior. Abusive <br />behavior is like alcoholism," according to Chuck Switzer (a former batterer) <br />vho's wife M'Liss is the author of Called to Account. He says. It gets <br />progressively worse. The beatings get more intense and they occur more <br />often.** <br />Victims of domestic violence develop a very low self-esteem and begin to <br />think there is no way out of the abusive situation. With support and <br />encouragement, they are abl- o begin better lives for themselves. <br />The most dangerous calls for police are domestics. Domestics can lead <br />to murder and suicides. "If an abuser doesn’t get treatment, sooner or <br />Imter he/she ends up permanently naming a person, killing somone, or <br />M11H*i hlm/hersalf♦" says Chuck Switzer. Reduced calls to a residence <br />^•soens the danger for police. Advocates aid our police by caking over <br />where the police are unable. It is difficult for a police <br />drive a victim to a shelter, hospital, or tell the victims of his/her <br />legal options, when they are on call and are short of time. <br />METHODS <br />Uhen the police departments make an arrest in a domestic assault call, <br />Che police dispatch calls the primary volunteer crisis advocate on a <br />The primal^ advocate contacts his or her partner and they then <br />10 to the home of the victim to offer support, safety, and legal options. <br />The advocate is trained to provide key information and assist the victims <br />through the process of prosecution. The advocate gives continued support <br />if an order of protection is obtained or not. Whenever possible, <br />asaailant is also informed of the consequences he or she now faces and <br />treatment programs available to help then to change their behavior. <br />Instructions when receiving a call from the police departments are specific: <br />(Weekdays between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on week­ <br />ends from Friday at 5:00 p.m. through Monday morning at 8:00 a.m.) <br />1. <br />2. <br />3. <br />4. <br />5. <br />Officer makes an arrest based on probable cause. <br />Officer calls beeper number. <br />Advocate calls dispatch after beeper goes off. <br />Oi^pmech puts advocate in contact with police. <br />Police Idientifies hlmself/herself and briefly <br />describes the situation giving the name, address, <br />and telephone numbe of the victim. <br />' , - A . m vJ.