D.A. on Domestic Violence Cases

* Domestic violence is a very serious crime. Almost one-third of the women killed in this country each year are killed by their husbands or boyfriends.

Despite this violence, the criminal justice system historically treated domestic violence far too casually. Police, prosecutors and judges finally are taking family violence seriously after years of hard work by dedicated advocates for battered women. We have been at the forefront of these changes, and strongly disagree with any suggestion to roll back the clock (“Battered Women Need Better,” Commentary, Jan. 28).

Linda G. Mills appears to suggest that law enforcement should be reluctant to intervene in domestic violence because studies show that battered women are most at risk when they attempt to leave the relationship. This suggestion is outrageous. These same studies show that in more than 90% of domestic violence homicides the murder has been preceded by a pattern of violence and abuse. Intervention in early instances of abuse saves women’s lives.

Mills’ comments also are unsettling in their lack of consideration for the children who also are victims of these violent relationships. Researchers estimate the extent of overlap between wife assault and child physical or sexual abuse to be approximately 30% to 40%. Studies also have found that male children who witness domestic violence have a high likelihood of battering intimates in their adult relation- ships.

In Los Angeles County, criminal prosecution is only one part of an integrated response to domestic violence. The district attorney’s office assigns specially trained prosecutors to work closely with each domestic violence victim to ensure sensitivity to the victim’s emotional trauma (including her discomfort with the criminal justice system). The district attorney’s office also has created, and maintains through private donations, a 24-hour hotline connecting battered women with shelters throughout the county. The Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Council works with dozens of public and private agencies to support and expand the shelter and service network and to develop new and innovative solutions to violence.

Mills is right that battered women need better. They need an end to violence, which we are seeking for them and their children every day.

GIL GARCETTI, District Attorney

SCOTT GORDON, Chair Domestic Violence Council