Domestic Violence Court Advocate

A Guide for Domestic Violence Victims

The Huron County Prosecutor’s Victim Assistance program was established to inform victims of crime of their rights. It provides quality supportive services, information, and court appearance accompaniment to those who have been affected by criminal acts.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE FACTS

EVERY NINE SECONDS AN ACT OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OCCURS.
All domestic violence is harmful.
Some domestic violence acts are crimes.
Domestic violence is a pattern/cycle. It will escalate in frequency and intensity without intervention.
No one is responsible for another person’s behavior and YOU can not change another person.
Abusers who want to change can stop their violence with appropriate education and treatment/counseling.
Alcohol and/or drugs increase unpredictable behaviors and severity of abuse BUT do not cause the behavior.
Domestic violence affects children emotionally and often time physically.
If the incident of violence was a criminal act, following the court process is the best way the defendant receives treatment and the victim receives protection.
Individual counseling for the victim and domestic violence education/counseling for the abuser is recommended.
BATTERED WOMEN ACCOUNT FOR 58% FEMALE MURDER VICTIMS.

THE HURON COUNTY VICTIM ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Informs residents of Huron County their rights as victims and provides quality supportive services and information to those who have been affected by the criminal acts of another.

SERVICES OFFERED:

24 Hour Rape Crisis
Information and Referrals to Community Services
Court Accompaniment and Notification
Assistance in Filing for Temporary and Civil Protection Orders
Crime Victim Compensation Assistance
Assistance in Preparing to Testify in Court
Victims of Federal Crimes Will Be Served

LEGAL ASSISTANCE

Legal representation may me available through Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO) or www.legalaidline.org Qualification is determined on household income. The number to contact is 1-888-534-1432.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

One person imposing their will upon another with the use of power and control:

Physical Abuse

Grabbing, shoving, restraining, pushing, slapping, kicking, punching, strangulation, pulling hair.

Verbal Abuse

Name calling, put downs, screaming, threats, unreal accusations.

Sexual Abuse

Unwanted kissing, touching, and sexual acts

Destruction of Property and/or Pets

Throwing and breaking objects, breaking personal property, kicking and other physical hurting animals, especially of household pets

Controlling and/or Isolating

Extreme jealousy, checking the mileage on the car, following, screening telephone calls, monitoring social activities, demanding ordering to do tasks, control money and/or withhold money

Civil Protection Order (CPO)

Under Ohio Revised Code 3113.31, you may seek a Civil Protection Order for relief from an abusive situation, whether or not criminal charges are filed. We can assist you in filing a petition for the protection order.

*There are specific elements needed to qualify to file for a CPO.

SAFETY PLANNING

Below is a list of suggestions in guiding you to an organized safety plan:

Plan on how to respond to future incidents of violence even if you think it will not happen again.
Prepare a specific way to exit your home and know your destination once you leave. Have the telephone number and address easily accessible.
Put your purse and keys in the same place daily so you do not spend time searching for these items. Have important documents, extra cash, and needed clothing, etc., in a safe area or at a friend’s house, in case you need to leave in a hurry. You may not have time to prepare these items if an incident occurs.
Teach your children how to contact 911 for any unsafe situation. Practice with them, so they will be able to assist.
Instruct your children on an escape route from the house, how to leave, when to leave, and where to meet.
Do not attempt to stop a violent person from leaving. This may cause further violence and injury.
Press charges for physical violence or threats of violence. Obtain and follow through with a court ordered protection order to ensure safety.
If a protection order is granted through the court, keep a copy with you and notify your employer and /or schools of such an order.
Safe Shelter is available 365 a year/24 hours a day. Mansfield-1-800-931-7233 or Sandusky-1-800-953-2207.

DEFINITIONS

Prosecutor

A person who prepares and conducts the prosecution of persons accused of crime.

Defense Attorney

The attorney representing the one charged with a crime. You do NOT need to have contact with the defense, even if they contact you.

Temporary Protection Order

A hearing is held shortly after a complaint is filed, at the request of the victim, to restrain the abuser from further abusive acts. The protection order generally orders the abuser to vacate the shared residence. The protection order is in effect as long as the criminal case is pending.

Arraignment

Is the initial court appearance of the accused. The judge will read the charge and the defendant will enter a plea of Guilty, No Contest, or Not Guilty. If a Not Guilty plea is entered, the victim may not address the court at this time. A court trial or pretrial will be set. The type of hearing will depend on whether the defendant retains an attorney.

Pretrial

Meetings held in judge’s chambers, before trial, between the prosecutor and the defense attorney to discuss the case and try to work out an appropriate solution. Most likely, the victim will be subpoenaed, but if not, the prosecutor would like to have the victim present for input. It is possible that the case can be resolved at this time.

Court / Jury Trial

A hearing held before the judge or jury where the prosecuting and defense attorney presents evidence to support their cases. The judge or jury decides if the defendant is guilty or not guilty. The victim is subpoenaed to testify at this hearing.

Pre-sentence Investigation

A report prepared by the Adult Probation Department to help the judge determine the appropriate sentence for the defendant. This is usually done if the defendant enters a plea of guilty or no contest at the arraignment. The victim is not there to address the court. The probation officer contacts the victim and the defendant.

Sentencing

A hearing that is held before the judge, for the defendant to be told his punishment. The victim does not need to be present but has the right to be present and make an oral statement.

IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Domestic Violence Advocate…419-663-6636

Safe Harbour……………….....800-953-2207

The Shelter……………………800-931-7233

Huron County Sheriff…………419-668-6912

Norwalk Municipal Court……..419-663-6750

Common Pleas Court……….....419-668-5113

Norwalk City Law Director……419-663-6785

Huron County Jail……………..419-668-1996

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