An Overview of Domestic Violence in Ventura County

Statistics from the police agencies indicate a substantial drop in domestic violence crime in Ventura County. The criteria used to report domestic violence crimes in the State of California changed in 1996 and this accounts for the substan- tial increase in cases reported during the 1996-1997 period. (See Figure 1)

Statistics from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office show a corresponding drop in cases of domestic violence. (See Figure 2)

The Ventura County Superior Court System indicates that the inventory of current cases has not decreased.

According to Judge Campbell, the new Domestic Violence Court has early indications that compliance has increased.

There is hope that the county may find a way to subsidize counseling for victims of domestic violence at some point in time. 202 1999-2000 Ventura County Grand Jury Final Report 203 -99/1/7 99/03/6-89/1/7 89/03/6-79/1/7 79/03/6-69/1/7 69/03/6-59/1/7 59/03/6-49/1/7 209 5023 2384 4614 7911 0971 dranxO fo ytiC AN 661 AN 161 AN AN emeneuH troP fo ytiC AN 993 875 206 107 766 yellaV imiS fo ytiC 23 79 831 931 081 18 aluaP atnaS fo ytiC AN 7111 2641 9821 943 AN arutneV fo ytiC AN ffirehS ytnuoC arutneV AN 253 153 443 624 474 olliramaC AN 711 99 901 38 601 detaroprocninU ytnuoC tsaE AN 521 761 771 881 761 eromlliF AN 911 921 611 611 621 kraprooM AN 37 69 801 311 411 iajO AN 865 875 945 025 644 skaO dnasuohT AN 315 336 606 126 866 detaroprocninU ytnuoC tseW 1586 4509 4638 4944 9864 detropeR semirC # latoT %42 NWOD %8 PU %68 PU* %4 NWOD detropeR semirC ni egnahC % 99/03/9 fp sa ataD 79-69 esaercni citamard rof stnuocca hcihw degnahc gnitroper fo dohteM * ecneloiV citsemoD - sllaC latoT ytnuoC arutneV . 1 erugiF Final Report 1999-2000 Ventura County Grand Jury Year 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Number 3040 2751 3326 3010 2449 Figure 2. Domestic Violence cases submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Conclusion C-1 The new Domestic Violence Court provides an innovative structure that will allow Ventura County to improve compli- ance in mandated counseling for domestic violence offenders in Ventura County. C-2 The Domestic Violence Court has the ability to address non- compliance in a timely manner that will better protect victims of domestic violence in this county. C-3 The goal to find a way to provide counseling, at no cost, to the victims of domestic violence crime is appropriate. Recommendation The Grand Jury supports and encourages the Domestic Violence Court in their search for ways to fund counseling for victims of domestic violence crime in Ventura County. Responses None required. 204