California Penal Code section 273.5 (a) reads as follows:

"Any person who willfully inflicts upon his or her spouse, or any person who willfully inflicts upon any person with whom he or she is cohabiting, or any person who willfully inflicts upon any person who is the mother or father of his or her child, corporal injury resulting in a traumatic condition is guilty of a felony, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, three or four years, or in a county jail for not more that one year, or by a fine of up to six thousand dollars ($6000) or by both."

Domestic violence includes, but is not limited, to the following circumstances:

• Physical - hitting or burning
• Sexual - rape or incest
• Emotional - threatening, insulting or harassing
• Neglect - poor physical or emotional care

The Myth
Abuser
Victim
Abuser Traits
Cycle of Violence
Unreported Incidents
Domestic Abuse Response Teams (DART)
Domestic Violence Prevention Tips
Emergency Protective Order (EPO)
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), Restraining Order (RO), Domestic
Violence Order (DVRO)
Domestic Violence Victim Resources
Medical
Shelter
Legal
Rape Hotlines
Counseling and Outreach

The Myth

Many people still believe in the myth that men are the only people capable of being abusive and women are the only people who suffer abuse. Characteristics of the classic abuser and victim may include the following:

Abuser

• Does not change
• Low self-esteem
• Work related problems
• Legal problems, fines or prior jail convictions for domestic violence

Victim

• Suffers serious physical injury or death
• Depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, helplessness and a sense of worthlessness
• Work related problems, loss of job, picking up and/or letting go of certain habits

Abuser Traits

An abuser can be anybody from any walk of life. Some abusers have the following traits:

• Has witnessed, or may have suffered abuse as children, causing abuse to be taught or a learned behavior
• Desires power and to be in control
• Low self-esteem
• Violence against their victim gives them a sense of importance
• Drug and/or alcohol problems
• Mental or emotional problems

Abusers make excuses, such as "blaming" the abuse on other people or situations. Examples of "blaming" statements are as follows:

• "I had a rough day at work and it's your fault"
• "The boss gave me a demotion because of you"

Cycle of Violence

The first step of the cycle is the actual act of abuse, where the abuser metes out some form of violence.

The second step is the remorse period, where the abuser is sorry the incident occurred and apologizes for everything that occurred.

The third step is the dating period, where the couple is once again happy and everything seems wonderful. In actuality, the abusers tension level is building.

The fourth step is a repeat of the first step of the abuse. The cycle continues to repeat itself growing in ferocity each time.

Unreported Incidents

Incidents of domestic violence often go unreported by victims for the following reasons:

• Victims do not realize they are in a dangerous and violent situation
• Victims do not recognize the domestic violence signals
• Victims feel ashamed, hopeless and are in denial
• Victims sense they have no alternatives
• Victims sense no one can protect them
• Victims do not know what victim services are available or how they can obtain the services needed

Domestic Abuse Response Teams (DART)

DART is a partnership between LAPD and victim advocacy organizations in the following LAPD divisions: 77th, Newton, Southwest, Northeast, Hollenbeck, Van Nuys, and Rampart. The victim advocates who operate the DARTs in these divisions are:

• 77th: Project Peacemakers 323-974-9677
• Newton: Project Peacemakers 323-846-6569
• Southwest: Project Peacemakers 213-400-8368
• Northeast: Peace Over Violence 213-955-9090
• Hollenbeck:Peace Over Violence 213-955-9090
• Van Nuys: Domestic Abuse Center 818-481 5482
• Rampart: Children's Institute, Inc. 213-260-7600

Domestic Violence Prevention Tips

• Watch for personality changes such as more aggressive, violent, moody or accusing behavior
• Develop a plan of action and instruct your children about the plan
• Locate a safe house such as the home of a trusted friend, trusted neighbor or family member
• Locate a safe shelter that is suitable to your needs and accepts children
• Begin counseling sessions

Emergency Protective Order (EPO)

Police officers at scene can obtain an Emergency Protective Order (EPO).

• Good for five days
• Can be served by any police officer, anytime of the day or evening
• A police officer may use his/her own judgement and obtain an EPO if the victim is reluctant
• Free of charge

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), Restraining Order (RO), Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)

• Victim must go to Superior Court
• Good for three weeks
• A Police Officer can serve
• When an order has expired, it is the responsibility of the victim to reinstate the order
• All orders are free of charge

Domestic Violence Victim Resources

Medical

Shelter

Legal

Rape Hotlines

Counseling and Outreach