Safety Really Does Begin at Home

In a county with relatively little crime, where most of the recent high-profile homicides have been family affairs, it is appropriate to pay close attention to sexual and domestic violence.

Few men truly appreciate the fear that is a companion for many women, whether it is fear of being assaulted on the street, harassed on the job or abused at home. This emotionally exhausting burden is difficult to talk about in a society that aspires to offer equal freedom and opportunity for all, and it is even more difficult to combat on a public-policy level.

Yet there are things that can be done.

One step is gathering in public to raise awareness, to share experiences and to learn ways to report sexual or domestic crimes. That’s why nearly 200 people came to Mission Park in downtown Ventura last week for the annual Take Back the Night rally and march.

Another is for law enforcement agencies to assign special units to the task of investigating and prosecuting these crimes. This has happened in Ventura County--with commendable results.

Sheriff’s Department statistics show an increase in the number of reported domestic violence incidents from 1,542 in 1998 to 1,581 in 1999.

“I don’t think more is occurring,” Lela Henke--Dobroth, chief deputy district attorney with the sexual assault and family protection division, told The Times. “Victims are feeling more secure in reporting. The more you do to make people aware of the issue, the more law enforcement becomes well-versed in it, the more reporting you get, the more prosecutions you get.”

Rape, however, continues to be underreported.

Although the number of reported rapes dropped from 183 in 1997 to 117 in 1998, experts believe that only one in 10 rapes is reported to authorities.

“Women are afraid of being re-victimized and traumatized by going through the criminal justice system,” Dee Corona, supervisor of the district attorney’s office’s sexual assault unit, told The Times.

Building a community in which women and men, old and young, strong and weak can all feel secure is a challenge that requires everyone’s participation--and it is a challenge that begins at home.