MARSHFIELD, WI (OnFocus) – Domestic violence is the willful intimidation, physical assault, battery, sexual assault, and/or other abusive behavior as part of a systematic pattern of power and control perpetrated by one intimate partner against another. It includes physical violence, sexual violence, threats, economic, and emotional/psychological abuse. The frequency and severity of domestic violence varies dramatically.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, on average, nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. During one year, this equates to more than 10 million women and men.
Marshfield Police Department officers are trained to help with domestic abuse situations and encourage anyone who may need help to reach out.
“Each call will differ with domestic violence, but the victim – whether a male or female of all ages, we do our due diligence to assure they are in a safe environment after the offender has been arrested. said Kelly Carolfi, Patrol Officer.
Carolfi explained that in the event of a call, officers complete a Domestic Violence Lethality Screen for Law Enforcement, which is a form that helps identify a potentially lethal situation in a domestic relationship.
“Depending on the victims’ answers, we will contact an on call PDC (Personal Development Center) advocate. Law enforcement officers can override the form as well, automatically screening the victim in, and contacting an advocate on their behalf” she said.
At any point in a relationship, Carolfi encourages contacting MPD if someone feels unsafe or if there are concerns about a friend, family member or neighbor. “No matter how minor of a hunch something may seem, we still encourage calling if there are concerns.”
“It’s better to act sooner than later in reporting concerns, in my experience. The more an offender gets away with these actions and behaviors, the more they may push their limits and continue the abuse, whether it’s physical or emotional.” she said. “Welfare checks are a common call for service where Law Enforcement officers are dispatched to.”
She added that many domestic violence victims are worried about retaliation and what could happen if law enforcement is notified or shows up.
“Do not be afraid to call anonymously,” she said. “If someone is worried about their name being disclosed, they do not have to reveal it to our dispatch center; although a name or at the very least a phone number, does help with follow-up/additional information.
Here are some resources available in Wood County:
Marshfield Police Department
Emergency: 911
The Hannah Center
212 E Third Street
Marshfield, WI 54449 (and Wisconsin Rapids)
715-387-6300
The Hannah Center exists to assist women in life crisis through compassion and guidance in a nurturing environment. We are committed to preserving life, providing a home and promoting change.
Shirley’s House of Hope
P.O. Box 207
Marshfield, WI 54449
715-486-9000
To Rebuild, Renew and Restore lives of women and children hurting from domestic violence along with alcohol and drug addictions.
Personal Development Center
844-210-8899
24-hour crisis line: (715) 384-2971
Personal Development Center is a private, non-profit victim services agency providing case management, advocacy, and prevention education to individuals and families in the North Wood County and Clark County area.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233
Text START to 88788
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Author: News Desk
This piece was posted by our news team! Contact us or submit stories at [email protected].
