Domestic Violence
While there has been a declining trend in domestic violence calls made to Monterey County law enforcement organizations in the past six years, the rate of local calls per 10,000 people in the population consistently exceeds the statewide rate. In 2009 there were 46.8 calls per 10,000 Monterey County residents, and 43.7 per 10,000 California residents. (Source: Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, 2011). One in every 5.4 adult women in Monterey County (18.4%) has at some time experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner since the age of 18. (Source: California Health Interview Survey, 2009)
Source: California Health Interview Survey, 2009
Economic pressures have been linked to increased incidence of domestic abuse, and local service providers report having seen in recent years an increase in women from a wider demographic group and higher income levels on their caseloads. Anecdotal information suggests that, due to economic hardship, more women may be experiencing domestic violence but not reporting it to the authorities. Many abused women don’t have the means to support themselves and, particularly in times of high unemployment, it may seem too financially risky to venture out on their own, despite the physical and emotional risks of staying in a violent relationship.
Women who also lack documentation of legal residency have even greater disincentives for leaving their abuser or reporting their abuse. Many of them are afraid to seek assistance from community organizations or report domestic violence to the police for fear of deportation and separation from their children. This is particularly true among women whose abuser does have legal status.
PEER VIOLENCE
According to the Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands research project, in 2008 more than one in four girls surveyed (28%) reported knowing other girls who have experienced PEER VIOLENCE. More than half of Monterey County girls in the 11th grade (55%) reported occurrences of harassment based on race, ethnicity or religion; gender; actual or perceived sexual orientation; physical or mental disability; or some other factor. (Source: California Healthy Kids Survey, 2009)
Out of 410 local girls surveyed for the Girls’ Health in Girls’ Hands report, 45% reported knowing other girls who have experienced dating violence or rape. Dating violence was identified by 80% of respondents as a topic “it’s important to have education about” (with only two issues receiving more votes: birth control/ pregnancy, and sex).
FORCIBLE RAPES
The number of FORCIBLE RAPES reported to law enforcement agencies in Monterey County averaged 118 per year between 2004 and 2009. This represents a rate somewhat higher than for the State as a whole. Sadly, only about 35% of local cases resulted in an arrest in 2009, compared to 43% of cases statewide. In 2009 there were 125 reported local rapes, only 44 of which were cleared by an arrest. (Source: Monterey County Rape Crisis Center, 2011).
STRATEGIES/RECOMMENDATIONS
Focus groups called for:
- More effective support systems for women to seek safety, regardless of legal documentation status
- More effective support systems for women to develop their self-sufficiency and self-esteem
- Stronger education programs in the schools to prevent harassment and bullying
- A more engaged police force “that cares,” noting that now crimes often happen “without consequences,” and that investigations in many areas are “not effective” in bringing criminals to justice
Confirmed in Compliance with National