ORANGE COUNTY PERSPECTIVE : Harder Line on Domestic Strife

The dramatic increase in arrests in domestic violence cases in Orange County over the last decade demonstrates that heightened attention is being given to this important problem.

A Times analysis of state figures shows that in 1989 the Orange County district attorney’s office filed just four felony domestic assault charges. Last year the number was 2,316, which suggests that a tougher line was long overdue. But just making arrests or even successfully prosecuting offenders is not always enough to stop the cycle of violence.

That’s why Orange County police departments are enlisting help from counselors and experts in aiding battered women. In Fullerton, a specialist sometimes accompanies police to the scene of domestic violence calls. Westminster has taken a good initiative in having a counselor for battered women contact victims after police complete their interviews. The counselor can offer suggestions for shelter and lend moral support if court action, such as a restraining order or divorce proceeding, is required. Children are easily traumatized by witnessing family violence and need special attention.

New laws bar police from simply answering a call, breaking up a fight and leaving. Now there will be an arrest and prosecution even if a frightened victim refuses to testify. That’s as it should be. Domestic abuse victims, nearly always women, need not suffer in silence.