Domestic Violence not the product of Poverty
NEW BRAINTREE, MA October 31, 2012 Domestic Violence is not the product of poverty or unemployment or alcoholism alone. DV cuts across all socioeconomic levels from rich to poor. Police officers are called to help people in all neighborhoods - perhaps yours. DV is not a private affair between husband and wife. Arrests are made in all cases where probable cause exists that support the charge of domestic assault and battery. Bar none.
At least that is what is supposed to happen. In some cases police officers use their discretion and separate the partners for the night allowing for a period of time out. A Minnesota study suggests this might make matters worse in the long run. Early intervention making a mandatory arrest may be a better stopping point than having an angry spouse spend the night in a hotel. Why?
Domestic violence behaviors germinate in an environment of secrecy during which an abusive spouse slowly isolates his intimate partner from her support - family, friends, finances. In doing so there is a subtle but undeniable manipulation of control - usually coupled with threats and intimidation. There is growing awareness that red flag behaviors precede DV and domestic violence homicide. Things like pathological jealousy, forced sexual contact, manipulating friendships, and others are the early signs of domestic violence. There comes a time when police and the judiciary must contain an abusive spouse whether or not he has a record of DV. A closer look at the abuse timeline may offer hints as to what might happen next and by understanding this decisions about the need for containment become clear.
No comments:
Post a Comment