The Tribune

By Corporal Makelle Pinder

DOMESTIC violence can be perpetuated against a spouse, members of the family and friends living together or separated. It includes physical abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, child abuse and elder abuse. It is illegal.

Warning signs

Does your partner:

• Hit, kicks or slap you or the children?

• Display extremely jealous or possessive behaviour towards you?

• Exhibit disrespect of your opinion and make all of the decisions?

• Break things in anger and threaten you with weapons?

• Have a violent history and brag about mistreating others?

• Blame you and others for their own failure or belittle you verbally?

• Pressure you for sex and believe that you are just a sex object?

• Behaviours worsen when using prohibited drugs or alcohol and make you feel extremely fearful?

• Always ask for second chances and say that they will change and won’t abuse you again?

• Make your family and friends worry about your safety?

Safety plan

• Think of a safe place to go if an argument occurs - avoid rooms with no exits (bathroom), or rooms with weapons (kitchen).

• Establish a “code word or sign” so that family friend teacher or co-workers can know when to call for help.

• Be aware of domestic violence shelters in your area.

• Keep monetary funds with you at all times.

• Memorise all important phone numbers and make a list of safe people to contact.

The police’s role

The police play an important role in stopping tghe cycle of violence. This is how the process works.

• The police will conduct a risk assessment, which includes interviews from all parties.

• There will be a proper investigation into suspected domestic violence.

• Officers will automatically consider a victim’s safety, privacy and protection.

• Matters involving children will be prioritised and forwarded to the Department of Social Services for investigation.

• Physical injuries will be referred to health-care professionals for proper documentation of evidence.

• The police will enter and search premises without a warrant if they suspect domestic violence has occurred and the victim’s life is in further danger or if weapons are involved.

• The police will take the offender into custody if they believe the victim or the victim’s property is in further danger.

• The police will ask the Magistrate to make a temporary protection order by telephone, fax, radio or a similar device.

• The police will investigate breaches of domestic violence order when a respondent continues to commit domestic violence after the order has been made.

If you prefer not to get the police involved with the situation, remember to:

• File a police report, even if you do not want your abuser arrested. It documents the abuse which may become evidence for future court hearings (such as a custody hearing, assault, battery or stalking case).

• Save all evidence from the assault such as medical reports, weapons, damaged property or names and contact information of witnesses. It also involves taking pictures of your injuries. Whether or not you file charges, you may need proof of the incident later in life.

• Apply for a protection order if they are satisfied domestic violence has occurred.

• For more information on domestic violence or if you have information pertaining to any crime, please contact the police at ‘919’ or Crime Stoppers at 328-tips (New Providence), 1-300-8476 (Family Islands) or if you know of Individuals who may be in need of counselling and emotional support contact the Department of Social Services hotline at 322-2763