The Sauk County Domestic Violence Interview Project

Voices on Violence: the Sauk County Domestic Violence Interview Project

By Julia Persike, Sauk County Domestic Violence Liaison

When asked to respond to the question, “In your own words, what is domestic violence?” one woman answered, “Domestic violence is being [verbally] cut down, [physically] beaten, running away to hide from the person . . . scared.” Another woman cautiously replied, “Having ideas, opinions and beliefs forced on you, whether physically, emotionally or economically.” Both of these women reside in Sauk County and both are mothers, neighbors and daughters. Together they share a commonality they’d soon rather forget: they are survivors of domestic violence. Domestic violence affects all of us. Whether a law enforcement officer who arrives at the scene, a nurse who cares for the wounds inflicted by the abuser or a neighbor who offers his help, we all need to understand the complexities involved in abuse that occurs in our homes, neighborhoods and communities.

As the Sauk County Domestic Violence Liaison working out of the Sheriff’s Department, I recently completed a large scale, county-wide interview project. Prior to starting the project, I had one goal in mind: talk to a group of professionals who work well together and are making strides to end domestic violence and create a more cohesive team of professionals. In other words, I would highlight the successes as well as identify a few sustainability, or maintenance goals for the group.

During the months of July, August and September, I conducted 54 face-to-face interviews with 33 county-wide law enforcement officers (both county deputies and city officers), 5 staff from the District Attorney’s office, 6 domestic violence survivors, 5 domestic abusers and 5 staff from the Hope House agency, who supports victims of domestic violence. Not only were the interviews a fascinating experience but they allowed me to meet people who shared varying perspectives and held different beliefs of a problem which in the year 2010, shouldn’t exist.

Domestic abuse or family violence is not a new problem however the method in which we, as a society, view it has changed. In the 1800’s a court ruled, “If no permanent injury has been inflicted, nor malice, cruelty, nor dangerous violence shown by the husband, it is better to draw the curtain, shut out the public gaze, and leave the parties to forgive and forget...” (State of North Carolina vs. Oliver 1874.)
Fast forward to the year 2010, where mandatory arrests laws are in place, dual-arrests are the exception not the norm and victims have more rights. Yet despite the proactive movement to end domestic violence, we live in a society where neighbors are reluctant to assist, law enforcement return to the same homes month after month and advocacy groups like Hope House of South Central Wisconsin struggle to reach those in need.

With assignment in hand, I opted to get the law enforcement interviews out of the way simply because I agreed to meet with each officer/deputy at a time convenient for them, knowing that would mean talking to some of them during midnight shift (when I’m normally in deep REM sleep). During the interview process with law enforcement, I spoke with deputies, officers, sergeants and lieutenants from seven departments including the Sheriff’s Department, Baraboo Police Department (PD), Reedsburg PD, Lake Delton PD, Wisconsin Dells PD, Spring Green PD and Sauk Prairie PD. Though some officers responded to my interview request with an unenthusiastic reply, all of them shared their thoughts, ideas and at times, aired their frustrated opinions about where improvements are needed.

“There’s always room for improvement. We need to take more time on reports, slow down when asking questions, take pictures, interview kids and follow-up with neighbors” stated one officer. After six grueling mid-night ride-alongs and 27 additional face-to-face interviews, I realized that the majority of law enforcement want nothing more than for victims to get the help they deserve and for abusers to be held accountable. During the last interview conducted, one officer stated rather firmly, “We, as a county, have to take a heavier stand on domestic violence! All 3 parties – law enforcement, Hope House and the DA’s office – need to be on the same page [in order] to create a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to domestic violence.” I couldn’t agree with him more.

As for the Hope House staff, they not only shared in law enforcements sentiment for a “zero tolerance” policy but they added their own twist to a crisis which seems to have no boundaries. “My biggest frustration is the lack of mental health resources for both the victim and the abuser. There are few therapists who truly understand the role domestic violence plays in depression, anxiety, stress disorders and trauma” stated one Hope House employee.

Despite employing numerous staff that are trained to provide legal services, supportive counseling and 24-hour crisis services, Hope House staff agree that one of the most frustrating aspects of their job is seeing the victim return to the abusive relationship despite efforts to prevent. One staff described that occurrence as common because “victims are afraid, financially dependent, want to protect their children and want to believe the abuser will change for the better.” In truth, if we, as a society, are being honest with ourselves, we’d admit that at some point, we’ve all believed that a friend, neighbor, spouse or co-worker could and would change for the better.

When interviewing a few of the Sauk County District Attorney and Victim Witness Unit staff office, I found their views of domestic violence to echo that of law enforcement and Hope House. “As professionals, we need to understand the victim’s story but we also have to keep in mind that we are all human therefore we need to communicate about what frustrates us.” Frustrations which this individual offered the following suggestions: improved and more frequent training for law enforcement, more knowledge about and more referrals to Hope House and an improved sense of county-wide teamwork. When asked how to achieve such a goal, one employee responded, “We need better education for all parties involved from offenders to law enforcement. We all need to accept the fact that domestic violence affects everyone and therefore we should all work harder to improve the response.”

Surprisingly, the abusers themselves, who were also interviewed for this project, agree with the professionals. One participant who is currently being housed in the Sauk County Jail admits he was wrong when he became abusive towards his then girlfriend, “anytime you put your hands on someone it’s wrong.” When asked, “How would you stop the repetition of domestic violence occurrences?” one inmate simply replied, “More counseling, more groups and more support.” Despite some of the abusers placing blame on society, law enforcement and even their victim, most batterers agreed that we all need to come together as a community to educate both the victim and the abuser.
Lastly, after many late night interviews, countless hours of report writing and a list of bold recommendations for the county, I was left with one fleeting thought shared with me by a brave, articulate survivor, “When I’m called a victim, it becomes all that they [society] see you as. It’s like they put on ‘kid gloves’ when handling your case . . . like you’re gonna break. I’m not powerless or ignorant. Just help me. Show me.”

October is domestic violence awareness month. It is my hope in sharing the thoughts, opinions and beliefs of the professionals, survivors and abusers that the citizens of Sauk County will step up and support the movement to end family violence. For more information, contact Julia Persike at 608.355.3206 or email at jpersike@co.sauk.wi.us.