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Tuesday, May 6, 1997

Sheriff Hathaway offers domestic violence advice

Threats, bodily harm and harassment are some of the forms in which domestic violence occurs, according to Caddo Parish Sheriff Don Hathaway.

The most recent statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics support evidence that domestic violence is occurring at an alarming rate. More than 62,000 incidents are reported annually.

"Victims of domestic violence share a sense of isolation, helplessness and shame," Sheriff Hathaway said. "Unfortunately, these very same feelings prevent far too many victims from confiding in family, friends or the authorities."

"Domestic violence comes in many forms," the Sheriff continued, "including emotional, mental and physical abuse, and can involve both men and women. The emotional scars left long after the physical wounds have healed very often leave an indelible mark on the victim."

Sheriff Hathaway added that his office has recently joined forces with the YWCA of Northwest Louisiana's Family Violence Program and AT&T Wireless Services to develop "SPEED," Northwest Louisiana's first program to provide free cellular telephones and service to domestic violence victims.

Under SPEED, an acronym for "Security and Protection for Each Emergency of Domestic violence," cellular telephones donated to the Caddo Parish Sheriff's office by AT&T Wireless Services will give domestic violence victims added protection, mobility and direct access to 9-1-1. The telephones will not receive calls and are programmed to call only 9-1-1.

The YWCA's Family Violence Program will determine the eligibility and criteria for identifying recipients of the SPEED phones. Sheriff's deputies will deliver the phones and explain proper use of the equipment to the recipients.

"We want to be supportive of domestic violence victims," Sheriff Hathaway said. "These cellular phones, generously donated by AT&T Wireless Services, will assist high-risk victims by increasing their level of protection. This protection will, in turn, increase the victims' ability to cooperate during the course of prosecution."

Memorize the YWCA's Family Violence Program telephone number (222-2117)Sheriff Hathaway strongly urged citizens coping with the trauma of domestic violence to contact the YWCA Family Violence Program at 222-2117. In addition to providing the cellular telephones to the most seriously threatened cases, the program can help victims escape abuse and give advice on legal rights.

The Sheriff also offered these suggestions for victims and potential victims of domestic violence:

• Map out an escape route from your home to include first-floor windows, doors and other similar exits.
• Do not argue with the abuser in areas where potential weapons are easily accessible or in areas without access to an outside exit.
• Establish your own savings account and have all bank statements and correspondence sent to a trusted relative or friend.
• Secure a safe place to stay. Family and friends who will provide unconditional support, churches, shelters or motels are good places to start. The most important thing is to consider is your personal safety.
• Create a survival kit and include items such as bus or cab fare, a change of clothes, cars and house keys, legal documents and similar items. As a neighbor or trusted friend to keep it for you in case of an emergency.

"Domestic violence is not just family problem," Sheriff Hathaway stated, "it's a community problem." He offered the following suggestions for citizens who know someone who is or may be a victim of domestic violence:

• Educate yourself on the ramifications of domestic violence and learn about available resources such as the YWCA Family Violence Program.
• Be supportive. Don't judge or criticize. Simply listening is often the best thing to do.
• If you witness an attack, do not get physically involved. Call 9-1-1 at once. Don't ever underestimate the severity of an attack.
• If your neighbors constantly fight, either verbally or physically, call the police. The quarreling is disturbing your peace and by reporting the incident, you may be saving the victim's life.
• If you offer your home as a shelter, consider the consequences for your personal safety and that of your family.

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