Domestic violence is one of the most common of all crimes and battering is the single major cause of injury to women.

• Characteristics of Domestic Violence Victims
• Crisis Intervention:  An Escape Plan
• Unhealthy Relationships Characteristics
• Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries
• How Do I Know If Someone Will Become A Batterer?
• Shelter Realities

In July 1995, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department established a Domestic Violence Unit. Its goals are to provide protection through agressive prosecution, to end the cycle of violence, and to help victims understand they are not alone and that there is help.

Sergeant Vicky Suarez heads the Unit, which has investigators and counselors working together to deal with the more serious abuse cases, especially those requiring hospitalization. In the first three weeks, the unit received more than 50 cases. We're dealing with cases of domestic violence differently.  Now, we charge a suspect based on the evidence, not only the wishes of the victim.

The arresting officer, not the victim, takes responsibility for charging the suspect which takes the heat off the victim. Officers are trained to do more investigating, gather evidence, and listen to the victim. Members of the Domestic Violence Unit are able to spend more time with the victim and making the case. Police investigate in order to make the case regardless of the victim's wishes, but obviously a victim's testimony is important to the case.

Another important change is that additional steps are being taken to break the cycle of violence. With both the investigators and counselors on staff the Domestic Violence Unit can work more closely with outside agencies to provide victim assistance. Finding help or counseling is no longer left solely to the victim - it is now a team effort. Some of the agencies helping police to assist domestic violence victims include: Shelter For Battered Women, Victim Assistance, Domestic Violence Advocacy Council, WomanReach, Women's Commission, District Attorney's  Office and Youth Investigations.

For additional information please contact the Domestic Violence Unit at 336-2811. To report domestic violence in progress, call 911.

View CMPD's Domestic Violence 10 Most Wanted