The tragic issue of domestic violence is especially recognized every year during the month of October.  Domestic violence is a very serious problem.  It is hard to know exactly how common domestic violence is because the problem often goes unreported.  Domestic violence is defined as a type of abuse that involves physically or mentally injuring someone, usually a spouse or partner, but it can also be a parent, child, caregiver, or other family member.

There is no typical victim of domestic violence.  It happens among people of all ages, ethnicities, and religions, never discriminating.  It affects those of all levels of income and education, and statistics demonstrate that it is the most common cause of injury to women ages 15 to 44.  Victims of domestic violence may suffer physical injuries such as bruises, broken bones, and sadly enough, sometimes even death.  The effects of emotional abuse may also result in severe depression, anxiety, or social isolation.

In the year 2006, my office handled over 9,000 cases of domestic violence in Miami-Dade County alone.  Over half of these cases were misdemeanors but close to 4,000 of these prosecutions resulted in felony prosecutions.  Our office provided services to 6,000 of these victims including housing, re-location assistance, and injunction filings.

Domestic violence can occur in many different ways. Some of the most common types of abuse are:

• Physical abuse – the use of physical force
• Sexual abuse – any forced sexual activity
• Emotional abuse – this includes threats, constant criticism, and put-downs.
• Controlling access to money and controlling activities are other abusive behaviors.

Domestic violence against a partner or a child is a crime in all states.  At least 4 million women are abused in this country each year. 

Domestic violence abuse can begin, continue, and even increase during pregnancy.  The most important thing that we need to realize is that people who are hurt by their partners, parents, or guardians do not cause the abuse.  Neither do alcohol and drugs, although they can make the violence worse.

If you or your children are abused, first and foremost, make sure that everyone is safe.  It is important that you and your children go to a safe place, such as the home of a friend, a relative, or an emergency shelter as soon as possible.  If you feel that you cannot leave your home safely, call the police and ask them to assist you.  Let the police know if you want to initiate charges against your abuser.

Take as many important personal items with you if possible, including your house keys, money, and any important papers that you may need for yourself and your children (such as social security numbers, passports, etc.).  The staff members at emergency shelters can help you file for a court order of protection against your abuser.  It is important that you remain alert so that you can provide as much information as possible to the authorities as necessary.

Finally, your personal doctor, nurses, social workers, and other health care professionals can provide you with support and make referrals on your behalf.  You can also call an emergency shelter and ask about counseling and support groups for you and your child(ren).  The toll free number to report suspected abuse is 1-800-799-7233 or you can visit the National Domestic Violence Hotline website at www.ndvh.org.








By Katherine Fernandez Rundle
Miami-Dade State Attorney