Domestic violence is physical violence which occurs in the following relationships:

• Married Couples
• Cohabiting couples
• People who have a child or children in common
• People in a dating relationship or who were in a former dating relationship
• People who were formerly married

Domestic violence is a crime.

According to F.B.I. reports a woman is beaten every 15 seconds in the United States. Studies have found that up to 35% of women who visit emergency rooms for treatment are there for injuries related to ongoing abuse. Further, more than 50% of women killed in the United States are killed by intimate partners or ex-partners.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit only prosecutes cases of domestic violence. The unit generally prosecutes repeat offenders or cases involving severe physical injury to the victim. Once a case is brought into the Unit it is prosecuted by the same Deputy District Attorney through all criminal proceedings. This is known as “vertical prosecution.” Vertical prosecution ensures consistency in punishment and policy, greater efficiency of government resources, and most importantly, fosters an individual bond of trust and concern between the victim and the prosecutor.

The Domestic Violence Unit prosecutes those who have acted out violently. The potential punishment in a misdemeanor case is usually a jail sentence, domestic violence counseling (52 week long program), 40 hours community service, a minimum $200 contribution to the Domestic Violence Victim's fund, and a “stay away” order from the victim or a “No Harm, No Strike” order if the couple is still together. In felony cases, the sentence can be up to several years in state prison.

Additionally, the Unit provides assistance to victims of these crimes by giving them information about counseling, medical treatment and court assistance. When a victim comes to court they have an “advocate”. That advocate is someone who keeps them informed of the court proceedings, results and other pertinent information.

Information is the key. The goal is to inform people about the laws that are presently in place, the negative impact of a conviction, and why people stay in these abusive relationships. These goals are attained by going to trial, getting people into counseling and raising the awareness of the community.