“Why Do We Need a Coordinated Community Response to Domestic Violence?"   

A coordinated community response (CCR) can “significantly enhance the effectiveness of the community's response to domestic violence.”  From Linda A. McGuire, Criminal Prosecution of Domestic Violence.  CCR as an intervention strategy was developed by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project (DAIP) in Duluth, MN. DAIP discovered that when different agencies and members of the community worked together, efforts to enhance protection for victims of domestic violence, and to hold offenders accountable, were more successful. The coordination helps to “ensure that the system works faster and better for victims, that victims are protected and receive the services they need, and that batterers are held accountable..”  http://www.stopvaw.org/Coordinated_Community_Response.html  

The following numbers highlight the need for a continued CCR to make our community safer for Maine citizens and their families.

• In 2006, over 13,000 people received services from the domestic abuse projects in Maine; 96% were women and children
  Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
• Domestic abuse homicides continue to account for approximately 50% of all homicides in Maine -
  Maine Department of Public Safety
• Children who witness DV:
  • are 50% more likely to abuse drugs/alcohol
    
  • show 24% increased incidence of juvenile delinquency
  • are six times more likely to commit suicide

  Massachusetts Dept. of Youth Services 1985

• One in 3 teenagers will suffer physical abuse in a dating relationship
  Sarah Buel, The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children, 2001
• Violent juvenile delinquents are four times more likely than other youths to come from homes in which their fathers beat their mothers.
  Women’s Action Coalition
• Workplace Domestic Violence
  • 46% of victims reported they were stalked by their abuser at their workplace
    
  • 13% reported the abuser assaulted them at work
    
  • 60% of domestic violence victims/survivors lost their jobs as a result of DV (43% fired, 57% quit)

  Maine Dep’t of Labor/Family Crisis Services 2004 Victim Study 

• Family Violence costs the nation $5 to $10 billion annually in medical expenses, police and court costs, shelters, foster care, sick leave, absenteeism, and non-productivity.   - Medical News, American Medical Association, January 1992

“All the perpetrator asks is that the bystander do nothing.”
Judith Herman