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Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program
No one is immune from domestic violence. It touches every ethnic group, every culture and every strata of society - whether rich, middle class or poor. While focusing on the Attorney General's Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program, this web site also provides facts on domestic violence, information on prevention and useful links to Internet resources.
The Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program in the California Department of Justice seeks to help both victims and prosecutors of domestic violence offenses. Through program grants supporting "vertical prosecution," district attorneys and city attorneys are able to develop teams that specialize in the investigation and prosecution of domestic violence offenses. Victims are able to work with the same prosecutor and investigator from the time charges are filed through the sentencing of the offender. Trained counselors/advocates also work with the victim to make the trial process less traumatic and overwhelming.
The Spousal Abuser Prosecution Program reflects a strong commitment of Attorney General Bill Lockyer, who states: "We need to stop the tragedy of domestic violence which victimizes women and ripples through so many families and communities. A civilized society should offer no less than a safe home and family environment." In 1999, his first year in office, Attorney General Lockyer secured the support of the California Governor and Legislature to increase program grants for the first time since the Department of Justice began operating the program in 1994.
It is important to note that safety for victims of domestic violence is a first priority. There are real options to consider. Help is available. If you are in immediate danger: Call 911 or leave as soon as possible.
If you believe you may be battered again: Call 9-1-1. Go to a neighbor's house or other safe place. Call a friend or relative to pick you up. Find a family violence shelter by calling your local police or sheriff's department.
Information and assistance is a call away: Call the 24-hour National Domestic Violence
Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233) or the Victims of Crime Resource Center
at 1-800-VICTIMS (1-800-842-8467). These centers can help you locate a family shelter
in your area or offer you other assistance.
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