Commentary: Domestic violence affects our whole community

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Sadly, domestic and intimate partner violence affects every community, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. It can result in physical injury, psychological trauma and even death. According to experts, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men aged 18 and older have been the victim of physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. One in 12 high school students experience domestic violence in the form of teen dating violence. The unfortunate reality is that statistically, many of us have been exposed to domestic violence at one point in our lifetime or we know someone who has. The early signs of domestic violence, such as extreme jealousy, controlling a partner's phone or separating a loved one from their friends are often subtle or unseen by others outside the relationship. In some cases, instances of domestic violence have turned violent and even deadly without any physical signs of abuse. According to a report by the Training Institute on Strangulation, women who are strangled by a partner are 750 percent more likely to be murdered by that partner. One of the chilling realities of domestic and intimate partner abuse is the cycle of violence. Using coercive control, an abuser will manipulate their victim to stay by cycling in and out of abusing behavior. Abusers will make apologies, excuses and promises. They will seek to normalize and justify their actions and work to isolate their victims from their loved ones. Eventually, the cycle returns to violent and controlling behavior. Studies will show the longer the cycle continues, the more aggressive it becomes. According to the CDC, 1 in 5 homicide victims are killed by an intimate partner. The reports also found that more than half of female homicide victims in the U.S. are killed by a current or former male intimate partner. Seeking help and pursuing justice can help break the cycle of abuse. The Placer County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence team is part of the Family Protection Unit. This team specializes in prosecuting cases involving various forms of abuse, stalking and restraining order violations between spouses, dating partners, cohabitants or co-parents. This dedicated team of deputy district attorneys, victim advocates and investigators work to find victims justice, help them reclaim their voice and find legal options to help keep them safe moving forward. The victim advocates walk with victims every step of the way during the legal process and connect them with valuable resources. Domestic violence situations can also produce a damaging ripple effect throughout a community. According to the U.S Office on Women's Health, children who witness domestic violence or are victims of abuse themselves are at serious risk for long-term physical and mental health problems. Children who witness intimate partner violence may also be at greater risk of being violent in their future relationships. Domestic violence calls represent some of the most dangerous encounters for responding law enforcement due to the highly emotional and volatile dynamics of the situation. The tragic murder of Sacramento Police Officer Tara O'Sullivan, who lost her life in 2019 while responding to a domestic disturbance, is just one of many examples in which law enforcement officers are killed in the line of duty during domestic violence calls. Taking a more proactive approach to domestic violence at a community level can save more people than just the abuser and the victim. During this month, our office has launched a new Domestic Violence Unit webpage, recorded an educational video, launched a Strangulation Awareness Resource Portal, and with the help of many of our bilingual colleagues, created an expanded awareness campaign. If you or a loved one is experiencing domestic violence, our office is here to help. The District Attorney's Office is committed to educating our community, empowering people with resources and holding abusers accountable to stop the cycles of abuse before it's too late. Learn more at placer.ca.gov/DVUnit.