Eliminating Family Violence
The issues of child abuse, spousal abuse, and elderly abuse have only recently begun to receive the attention they deserve. Family violence--the abuse, neglect and other evils that afflict children, spouses and the elderly--is reprehensible since it rips apart the very fabric which binds the family unit leaving innocent victims traumatized, yet afraid or unable to turn to law enforcement or other service agencies for fear of further harm, and/or isolation.
As Erie County Sheriff, I will tirelessly work to end family violence and eliminate the social stigma attached to its victims. My plan centers on strict enforcement, proactive strategies for prevention, and sensitivity to the plight of victims. The plan includes:
- Expanding the patrol deputies role in working with various social service and support groups designed to counsel families on prevention and in assisting victims of earlier crimes;
- Cooperating with social service agencies and support groups to identify indicators of abuse or persons at risk and pass its information on to anyone who can assist in prevention. This training will be provided to deputies and offered to educators as a means of identifying suspected cases of abuse and to help intercede before such crimes are committed;
- Sheriff's Department resources will also be available to assist adult education instructors in presenting awareness and prevention programs;
- Ensuring that deputies are aware of families in their patrol area that have been the victims of family violence so that rapid response is possible in the event that additional assistance becomes necessary;
- Pursuing continued funding of the Sheriff Department's Rural Rim Domestic Violence Program;
- Pursuing additional federal and state grants to fund increased efforts in prevention, early intervention and enforcement;
- Determine if additional shelter and victim assistance programs are needed to ensure they are accessible for all residents of the county.
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