The "Power and
Control Wheel," illustrates that domestic violence is a
cyclical pattern of
physical and/or
sexual violence by an abuser to exert power, establish control over, and
diminish the
independence of the victim. At the center of the wheel lies the cause of the
violence -- the
need for power and control. Violent acts or the threat of acts of violence
serve as the rim
of the wheel while varying types of behaviors, primarily
psychological/emotional
in nature, act as the spokes of the wheel to facilitate the
establishment of
power and control.
23
Specifically the
abuser may use coercion and
threats to harm
a victim; intimidation through gestures or destruction of property;
emotional abuse
such as humiliation; isolation from family and friends; economic abuse;
use of children
as pawns in obtaining power and control; male privilege; or minimizing
the abuse,
denying that abuse occurred, and blaming the victim for the abuse, as means to
control the
victim. It is the use of violence that reinforces the ability of the abuser to
use
these various
other psychological and emotional behaviors to dominate the
victim.
24
Added to the
complexity of the dynamics of domestic violence are the
special fears,
concerns, and
needs of the victims of such violence
Nye Frank on 23 Apr 09A defendant may be released on bail for all offenses except capital crimes. Public safety is the primary consideration in setting the bail amount. The court must conduct a hearing before deviating from the scheduled bail for a violent felony or for threatening a witness in a rape, domestic violence or criminal threat case. The court must state its reasons for deviating from the bail schedule. (Cal.Const Art. 1 Sect. 28, PC 1270.1, and PC 1275.)In violent felony cases, the district attorneys office, Division of Victim Services and the probation department are responsible for notifying victims and witnesses that they can request notification regarding the defendant's release. The Division of Victim Services will provide the forms to those victims and witnesses. (PC 679.03(a).)Inmates convicted of murder, voluntary manslaughter, life cases, stalking or a case where the defendant inflicted great bodily injury, cannot be released on parole within 35 miles of a victim or witness. However, the victim or witness must file the appropriate form with CDCR, and CDCR must find there is a need to protect the safety and well being of the victim or witness. (PC 3003.)Upon request, when a defendant is sent to state prison, the victim or next of kin will be notified of the defendant's release to work furlough or a reentry program at least 60 days prior to placement. If the inmate escapes, the victim must be given immediate notification. The victim should keep his or her request and current address on file using a form that can be obtained through the Division of Victim Services. (PC 679.02(a)(6), PC 11155.)The Right to be Protected13 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Page 17 An employer with more than 25 employees may not discriminate against an employee who has been a victim of a sex crime or domestic violence when that employee seeks medical attention or counseling. (LC 230.1.)Employers must allow crime victims or family members t
