Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence is one of the most serious crimes affecting our society today. The affects on victims, children and our community can be devastating. In 2003 the Columbus Police Department established the position of Domestic Violence Coordinator. This position was established in an effort to reach out to victims of domestic violence in order to educate them about community resources, the criminal justice system, and to check their safety in the often-volatile days following an incident of domestic violence. The position also provides a department liaison to other organizations such as Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter, Bartholomew County Prosecutor's Office and other agencies outside the police department. The responsibilities of this position include the review of officer reports, follow up calls to victims of domestic violence, and any investigative follow up needed on a given case.
Under Indiana Code 35-42-2-1.3, Domestic Battery is defined as follows:
Class A Misdemeanor: Battery with injury committed against a victim by an offender who is or was a spouse, who is or was living as if a spouse, or who has a child in common with the victim.
Class D Felony: Domestic Battery by a person previously convicted of domestic battery (or "domestic violence" under I.C. 35-42-2-1(a)(2)(E) before its repeal).
The primary objective in responding to domestic violence calls is to de-escalate violent situations, to protect victims, to reduce officer injury, to reduce repeat calls, to enforce the law against violators, to effect community safety, and to facilitate prosecution, where applicable. The purpose of responding to these calls is also to protect the victim and summon emergency medical care if needed, and to further protect the victim by informing her/him of community resources available such as shelter facilities and support programs.
In 2005 the Columbus Police Department introduced a new domestic violence policy to its officers and to the community. It is the policy of the Columbus Police Department that if an officer has probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime involving domestic abuse, whether the crime is a misdemeanor or felony, and was committed within or without the presence of the officer, the preferred response of the officer is arrest. This pro- arrest policy encourages officers to make arrests when probable cause exists, while still allowing the officer to evaluate the dynamics of the situation in making an arrest determination.
The overall message to our community regarding domestic violence it this: If you are a victim of domestic violence, we want to help you get out of your difficult situation. Many times the answers aren't as easy for victims as "just leave." We want to help you get out and stay out through the available resources of our community and the criminal justice system.
If you are a perpetrator of domestic violence our message is this: Physically abuse your spouse, child or significant other and you will go to jail. The Columbus Police Department is committed to presenting strong cases against perpetrators of domestic violence to help secure a successful prosecution.
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