This letter is in response to a recent article about suspending the sentences for domestic battery and DUI of an ex-deputy. The suspended sentences reflect an attitude of tolerance of domestic violence and victim blaming.
No one deserves to be abused. It is wrong and against the law to physically abuse another person, including a family member. The only person responsible for the abuse is the abuser. And the abuser must be held accountable.
Yet, Senior Judge Edward Dannan suspended the sentences of Douglas County ex-deputy, Jason Cypher after he was charged with battering his wife and driving while intoxicated. Cypher was witnessed punching his wife in the face.
Domestic violence affects everyone. The scars of physical and emotional abuse impact not only the victim but loved ones. During the court proceedings, the victim and her family both read statements attesting to numerous instances of physical and psychological abuse, however Judge Dannan not only suspended sentences for the abuser but lifted an order that Cypher stay out of Douglas County. The judge stated that "People are people, we're all human beings. We have lapses in judgment."
Apathy and victim-blaming only create an environment where violence is tolerated. The lawyer for Cypher attempted to place the burden of the abuse on the victim: "If their life was bad, why in God's name did she marry him in November 2006?" A better question would be "If their life was so bad, why in God's name did he marry her?" Society so often focuses on the victim's actions, or inaction if she doesn't leave the situation. We need to shift our focus to the abuser who has the capacity to leave as well. There are many reasons why someone may be in an abusive relationship. Domestic violence is a complex web of threats, abuse, intimidation and isolation that exert power and control over another person. Not leaving does not mean that the situation is OK or that the victim wants to be abused.
Victims are vulnerable when they seek help, often risking their personal safety. The first call for help is a decisive moment. It is imperative that once a domestic violence victim attempts to step out from an abusive relationship, that person receives support and protection. First responders to a domestic violence call, including the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, are critical in this regard.
The sheriff's office has been an active partner in addressing domestic violence in Douglas County and a leader in the Purple Ribbon Coalition, but we need to ensure that our community's deputies are equipped to respond to domestic violence victims. Cypher was with the sheriff's office for 15 years, we now learn that he was an abuser. While the actions of one deputy should not reflect negatively on the department, we should simultaneously take action to ensure that law enforcement is trained to effectively respond to domestic violence situations.
Law enforcement, prosecutors and judges have an important role to play in protecting our community from domestic violence. Douglas County District Attorney Mark Jackson recently stated that only a fifth of domestic violence crimes have led to convictions over the last six years. In order for the cycle of violence to stop, the abuser must be held accountable. Our community will benefit from having a district attorney committed to prosecuting perpetrators of domestic violence. The district attorney recently secured a grant to help fund the Special Victims Response Team and the Family Support Council's crisis hotline.
The public also needs to come to terms with its own role in perpetuating the stereotypes that blame the victim and turn a blind eye toward abuse. Advocacy groups and the legal system need the public to demand responsibility and accountability of the abuser.
Let's use the unfortunate case of this ex-deputy as an opportunity to increase public awareness of domestic violence. Many victims do leave and lead successful, violence free lives. If you are a victim of domestic violence or suspect a friend or loved one is involved in an abusive relationship find out about the resources that are available in our community by contacting Family Support Council at (775)782-8692.
Christy Kieffer is board secretary of the Family Support Council.
