Domestic violence is a confrontation between family or household members involving physical harm, harassment, sexual assault, or reasonable fear of physical harm. Family or household members include spouses/former spouses, those in (or formerly in) a dating relationship, including gay/lesbian couples; adults related by blood or marriage; and those who have a child in common or legal parent-child relationship.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain control over another individual. It can include physical abuse. Abusive behavior can involve the following:
We have moved to the Justice & Municipal Center in downtown Bonney Lake (adjacent to the Library). Call (253) 862-6606 for more information.
The Bonney Lake Municipal Court offers computer access for victims of domestic violence who need to file a temporary protection order. The Domestic Violence Kiosk allows people in Pierce County to access help without having to travel to the Tacoma Pierce County-City Building in downtown Tacoma.
Individuals can file requests for a protection orders or sexual assault orders via the Domestic Violence Kiosk system. The court clerk contacts the Domestic Violence Unit in Tacoma upon completion of data entry, and the County Clerk's office completes the filing and provides it to a commissioner or judge for signature.
Once approved, the individual returns to Bonney Lake City Hall, enters the confirmation code, and prints the signed order in duplicate along with an Affidavit of Service. The local law enforcement or sheriff's office then serves the order depending on whether the respondent lives inside or outside the city limits. The victim may also choose to have a private individual serve the order.
The signed order becomes a valid temporary protection order for 14 days from the date of issuance. These orders also provide a court date and time for the victim and respondent to appear in court to determine if it will become a permanent order.
Until the order is served, there is no violation if there is contact between the parties during the 14 day temporary period. For information, contact the Municipal Court directly at (253) 862-6606.
Additional kiosks are located around Pierce County at various locations including the cities of Gig Harbor, Lakewood, Sumner, and University Place, as well as a location South Hill and another in Eatonville at the Pierce County Sheriff's Mountain Detachment. For a current list of kiosks located throughout Pierce County, view the Pierce County Help Center.
Nearly 5.3 million incidents of domestic violence occur each year among U.S. women ages 18 and older, and 3.2 million occur among men (CDC 2000).
Domestic violence results in nearly 2 million injuries and 1,300 deaths nationwide every year (CDC 2003).
The U.S. Department of Justice reported that 37% of all women who sought care in hospital emergency rooms for violence-related injuries were injured by a current or former spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend.
Domestic violence affects everyone in the community and certain myths need to be dispelled. People often say' that they were raised in a "good" or "normal" family and believe domestic violence happens only to "bad" families.
Statistics show myths such as this not to be true. Batterers and victims come from all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, occupations and educational backgrounds.
Domestic violence and its victims still bear an undeserved stigma in our society and until we all understand its nature, the batterers and the victims, the cycle will continue. No one is immune but with education and awareness, people can prevent tragedy from claiming more lives.
Domestic violence is a serious crime that affects children living in the home, and who may become victims themselves. Seniors too can be at risk for elder abuse, by in-home caretakers.
Domestic violence is a pattern of behavior used by an individual to establish and maintain control over another individual.
Batterers use violence or threats to obtain and maintain control. They blame others for their violence and don't take responsibility for their actions. They blame their abusive behavior on stress, anger, jealousy and the victim. There are three phases, or cycle of violence:
Phase 3: Calm stage when the perpetrator may deny violence, say it was because of alcohol or drug abuse, apologize and promise it will never happen again.
Batters come from all races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, religious affiliations, occupations, and educational backgrounds. They may display: