DES MOINES POLICE DEPARTMENT INFORMATION AND
RESOURCE GUIDE
English | Español
LANGUAGE INFORMATION
(Chinese)
如果你正受到家庭關係問題的困擾,或希望找人用中文交談或 獲取資訊, 請電家和求助熱綫 1-888-847-7205。此為免費電話並專門為不 會講英語的婦女而設。 你也可以訪問多語種服務專案網站 www.map-seattle.org
(Vietnamese)
Nếu mỗi quan hệ của quý vị khiến quý vị cảm thấy khó chịu và muốn tâm sự với ai đó hay tìm hiểu thông tin bằng tiếng Việt, xin gọi Đường Dây Trợ Giúp Hoà Bình trong Gia Đình tại số 1-888-847-7205. Đây là số điện thoại gọi miễn phí và chương trình dành cho Các Phụ Nữ Không Nói Tiếng Anh Quý vị cũng có thể tới trang web Multilingual Access Project (MAP) tại www.map-seattle.org
(Cambodian)
ABBнала на пöminanthewuryn QemUAЛAL whwounwgwgnment afg njegrarnigh Peace in the Hoene Helpline នៅលេខ ១-៨៨៨-៨៨៧-៧២០៥។ ទូរសព្ទនេះ មិនបាច់បង់ថ្លៃ ហើយកម្មវិធីគី សម្រាប់ស្ត្រីមិនចេះភាសាអង់គ្លេស។ grårrol website Multilingual Access Project (MAP) furrensin&the www.map-seattle.org
(Tagalog)
Kung mayroong gumugulo sa iyong isipan tungkol sa iyong relasyon at nais mong makipag-usap o kumuha ng impormasyon sa Tagalog, tumawag sa Peace in the Home Helpline para sa mga kababaihang hinde marunong mag Inglish sa numerong 1-888-847-7205 o bisitahin ang website ng Multilingual Access Project (MAP) na www.map-seattle.org
(Thai)
หากบางสิ่งบางอย่างในความสัมพันธ์ของคุณรบกวนจิตใจคุณ และคุณอยากจะคุยกับใครสักคน หรือรับข้อมูลเป็นภาษาไทย โปรดโทรหา Peace in the Home Helpline (สายช่วยเหลือเพื่อความสงบสุขในครอบครัว) ได้ที่ 1-888 847-7205 ซึ่งเป็นหมายเลขโทรฟรี และโครงการนี้เพื่อผู้หญิงที่ไม่สามารถสื่อสารเป็นภาษาอังกฤษได้
(Russian)
Если в ваших отношениях сложилась ситуация, которая вас беспокоит, и вы хотите с кем-то поделиться или получить информацию на русском языке, позвоните на горячую линию «Мир в вашем доме по телефону 1-888-847-7205. Этот звонок - бесплатный, а программа рассчитана на женщин, не владеющих английским языком. Вы можете также посетить веб-сайт многоязычного проекта МАР по адресу. www.map-seattle.org
(Ukrainian)
Якщо у ваших відносинах склалася ситуація, що вас непокоїть, і ви хотіли б з кимось поговорити або отримати інформацію українською мовою, зателефонуйте на гарячу лінію «Мир у вашій домівці» за номером 1-888-847-7205. Цей дзвінок е безкоштовним, а програма розрахована на жінок, які не володіють англійською.
(Somali)
Haddii aad wax dhibaato ka tirsanayso xidhiidh indinka dhexeeya adiga iyo qof kale, una baahantahy qof kale ood arrinta kala hadasho ama aad macluumaadka arrintan la xidhiidha ku hesho Af- Somali, waxaad soo wacdaa Hay'adda Gargaarka Nabadgelyada Guriga ce dumarka aan Af- Ingiriiska ku hadal (Peace in the Home Helpline for Non-English Speaking Women) 1-888 847-7205, ama booqo Shabakadda Internetka Barnaamijka Luqadaha Kala Duwan (Multilingual Access Project, MAP) www.map-seattle.org
(Romanian)
Dacă vă deranjează ceva în relația de cuplu şi doriţi să vorbiţi cu cineva sau să obţineţi informații in limba română, sunați la Peace in the Home Helpline la numărul de telefon 1-888-847-7205. Apelul este gratuit iar acest program este destinat femeilor care nu vorbesc limba engleză.
(Hindi)
यदि आपके रिश्ते में कोई बात आपको परेशान कर रही है और आप किसी से बात करना चाहते हैं या हिंदी में जानकारी लेना चाहते हैं तो पीस इन दि होम हैल्पलाइन (Peace in the Home Helpline) को 1-888-847-7205 पर कॉल करें। यह कॉल मुफ़्त होती है और यह प्रोग्राम अंग्रेज़ी न बोलने वाली महिलाओं के लिए है। आप मल्टीलिंग्यूल एक्सेस प्रोजेक्ट (Multilingual Access Project (MAP)) की वैबसाइट www.map-seattle.org पर भी जा सकते हैं।
(Punjabi)
ਜੇ ਤੁਹਾਡੇ ਰਿਸ਼ਤੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਕੋਈ ਗੱਲ ਤੁਹਾਨੂੰ ਪਰੇਸ਼ਾਨ ਕਰ ਰਹੀ ਹੈ ਅਤੇ ਤੁਸੀਂ ਕਿਸੇ ਨਾਲ ਗੱਲ ਕਰਨੀ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਜਾਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਵਿੱਚ ਜਾਣਕਾਰੀ ਲੈਣੀ ਚਾਹੁੰਦੇ ਹੋ ਤਾਂ ਮਲਟੀਲਿੰਗਅਲ ਐਕਸੇਸ ਪ੍ਰੋਜੈਕਟ (Multilingual Access Project (MAP))www.map-seattle.org
(Tigrigna)
ኣ ብ ና ይ ሓዳ ር ህ ይወት ር h ብh ን ፡ ዘ ሸ ግ ረ ክ ን ጠባ ያ ት እ ን ተደ ኣ ኣ ሎ ኰይ ኑ እ ሞ፡ ምስ ካ ል እ ሰ ብ ብትግ ር ኛ ከ ት ዘ ራረ ባ ፡ ወይድማ ሓበ ሬታ ከ ትረ ኸባ እ ን ተደኣ ደሊኸን፤ ና ብ ሰ ላ ም ኣ ብ ቤት ዝ በ ሃ ል ኣ ገ ል ግ ሎት ብስ ልኪ ቁጽሪ 1-888-847-7205 ደ ወ ። እ ዚ ብና ጻ ዝድወል ቁጽሪ ከ ኸውዓ እ ን ከ ሎ፡ እ ቲ ኣ ገ ል ግ ሎት ድማ እ ን ግ ሊዘ ኛ ቋን ቋ ን ዘ ይ ዛ ረ ባ ደ ቂ ኣ ን ስ ትዮ ዝወሃ ብ እ ዩ ።
(Amharic)
በ ትዳ ር ኑ ሮ ግ ን ኝ ነ ትዎ: ችግር ካ ለ ብዎት፡ እ ና ከ ሌላ ሰ ውጋ ር በ አ ማር ኛ ለ ነ ጋ ገ ር ወይም መረ ጃ ለ ማግ ኘ ት ከ ፈ ለ ጉ ∙ የ ሰ ላ ም ቤት ወደ ተ ባ ለ ውአ ገ ል ግ ሎት በ 1-888-847-7205 ይደ ወሉ። የ ማደ ወለ ውበ ነ ጻ ሲሆን : አ ገ ል ግ ሎቱ ደ ግ ሞ እ ን ግ ሊዘ ኛ ቋን ቋ ለ ማይ ና ገ ሩ ሴቶች የ ማሰ ጥ ነ ወ እ ን ዲሁም ደ ግ ሞ: የ ተ ለ ያ ዩ ቋን ቋዎች የ ሚı ኝ በ ት ፕር ፕጀ h ት (MAP) በ ዚህ ድረ ገ ጽ ላ ይ ማየ ት ይችላ ሉ፡ www.map-seattle.org ።
(Arabic)
إذا كان هناك شيء ما في علاقتك يزعجك وتريد التحدث إلى شخص ما أو الحصول على معلومات بلغتك ، فاتصل بخط المساعدة Peace in the Home على الرقم 1-888-847-7205. المكالمة مجانية والبرنامج مخصص للنساء غير الناطقين بالإنجليزية. يمكنك أيضًا زيارة موقع مشروع الوصول متعدد اللغات (MAP) على www.map-seattle.org
(Korean)
당신의 관계에 있는 어떤 것이 당신을 괴롭히고 있고 누군가와 대화하거나 당신의 언어로 정보를 얻고 싶다면 1-888-847-7205로 가정 내 평화 헬프라인에 전화하십시오. 통화는 무료이며 이 프로그램은 영어가 아닌 여성을 위한 것입니다. MAP(Multilingual Access Project) 웹사이트 www.map-seattle.org를 방문할 수도 있습니다.
(Japanese)
あなたの関係の何かがあなたを悩ませていて、誰かと話したり、あなたの言語で情報を得たい場合は、1-888-847-7205でホームヘルプラインの平和に電話してください。通話は無料で、プログラムは英語を話さない女性を対象としています。また、多言語アクセスプロジェクト（MAP）のWebサイト（www.map-seattle.org）にアクセスすることもできます。
(Lao)
ຖ້າບາງສິ່ງບາງຢ່າງຢູ່ໃນຄວາມສໍາພັນຂອງເຈົ້າລົບກວນເຈົ້າແລະເຈົ້າຕ້ອງການເວົ້າກັບຜູ້ໃດຜູ້ ໜຶ່ງ ຫຼືເອົາຂໍ້ມູນເປັນພາສາຂອງເຈົ້າ, ໃຫ້ໂທຫາສາຍດ່ວນສັນຕິພາບຢູ່ໃນບ້ານຊ່ວຍເຫຼືອຢູ່ທີ່ 1-888-847-7205. ການໂທແມ່ນບໍ່ໄດ້ເສຍຄ່າແລະໂຄງການແມ່ນສໍາລັບຜູ້ຍິງທີ່ບໍ່ເວົ້າພາສາອັງກິດ. ເຈົ້າຍັງສາມາດເຂົ້າເບິ່ງເວັບໄຊທ Project ຂອງໂຄງການເຂົ້າຫາຫຼາຍພາສາ (MAP) ທີ່ www.map-seattle.org.
WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE?
Domestic violence is often mistaken as someone losing their temper or mutual fighting in a relationship. Domestic violence is NOT about getting angry or arguing – but it IS about power and control. It is a pattern of harmful behavior by one person intended to control another person within a romantic, intimate or family/household member relationship. People who experience domestic violence can be married or not married; heterosexual, LGBQT; living together, separated or dating; or relatives. Men, women and children of all ages, races and classes can be victims. Without intervention, domestic violence can get worse, and could end in death.
Domestic violence can take many forms, some of which are illegal. It can happen all the time or once in a while. Some forms of domestic violence are:
Emotional or Verbal. Examples of emotional abuse can include insults, blaming, put downs, mind games and threats. Emotional abuse can be unpredictable, affect self-esteem, and make you doubt your own sense of reality.
Controlling/Intimidating. Examples include isolating you from family and friends; controlling your money; keeping you from getting a job or going to school; controlling or monitoring what you do and where you go; or destroying your property.
Physical. Physical abuse is any hurtful, intimidating or offensive touching or contact. It can involve grabbing, pushing, shoving or hitting, and could escalate to more serious injuries or death.
Sexual. Sexual abuse can involve degrading comments; unwanted touching; or harmful, forced sex.
In Washington State, it is illegal for your partner to hurt you physically, force you to have sex, threaten to hurt or kill you or your children, or destroy your property.
How Do I Know It Is Abuse?
The following are some signs of abuse to be aware of in a relationship. Recognizing the signs could help you stay safe.
Someone who is abusive may:
- Act jealous or possessive and say it is out of love.
- Blame you for their behavior, saying "you're making me do this to you."
- Destroy or threaten to destroy your things.
- Threaten to hurt you, themselves, your family members, your friends, or your pets.
- Touch you in a way that hurts or scares you, or in any way that you do not want to be touched.
- Force sex or sexual acts in ways or at times that are not comfortable for you. Threaten to report you to immigration or to destroy your papers.
- Get angry unpredictably or in a way that scares you.
Blame you, others, alcohol, stress, depression, etc., for their violent behavior.
- Belittle or make fun of your concerns and fears about your relationship.
- Threaten to "out" you to family, friends or work.
- Act differently in public than in private.
- Isolate you by making it difficult or impossible to be with your family or friends.
- Threaten to take your children and claim you won't see them again.
- Make promises to change but does not follow through.
Some behaviors have been identified as especially dangerous:
- Threatening to kill you or themselves, especially if the abuser has access to weapons.
- Strangling, choking
- Stalking
- Controlling most or all of your activities
Does Domestic Violence Impact My Children?
Children who live with violence in their homes are affected, even if they do not see it (e.g., they are in bed or in another room) or appear to be just fine. Each child may react differently to the violence at home. Here are some common reactions:
Emotional: Children often feel guilty for not being able to stop the violence. They may be confused by their feelings for each parent. They may be scared, anxious, nervous, embarrassed, angry, depressed or even feel suicidal about what is happening.
Physical: Children may experience stomach aches, headaches, or other symptoms as a result of emotional stress.
Behavioral: Some children may act out aggressively, imitate what they see and hear, have trouble sleeping, or wet the bed. Others may become withdrawn or try to take care of the family. Many children get into fights at school, have trouble concentrating, get poor grades, abuse drugs and alcohol, or run away.
While they are at higher risk, not all children who witness domestic violence develop long-term problems, or grow up to be abusive or abused. Counseling and support services can help children and are available through community agencies (see the Resources section at the end of this Guide).
“You can help your child by talking to them about what is happening and listening to them.”
You can help your child by talking to them about what is happening and listening to them. Avoiding the discussion or pretending that the violence didn't happen could make your child feel even more scared and confused. It is important to let them know that the violence is not okay and not their fault. Let them know you love them and that you know this is scary for them. Assure them that you are ready to talk more about it if they want to. Be sure to include them in your safety planning.
What Can I Do To Be Safe?
Planning for your safety and your children's safety is critical. It may be helpful to discuss a safety plan with a Domestic Violence Victim Advocate. Advocates are available for ongoing support and help at community-based agencies (see "Support Services for Victims in the Resources section of this Guide) and in many law enforcement and prosecution agencies. A safety plan may include the following:
- If You Can't Leave the Situation
-Call for help (9-1-1)!
-Avoid the kitchen, bathroom, and garage.
-Avoid rooms with only one exit.
- In Your House
-Change locks, secure doors and windows, change passwords on accounts.
-Arrange to have someone stay with you. Change your phone number.
-Notify trusted friends, family and neighbors.
- At the Workplace, School, and Public Places
-Inform your work, daycare, school, trusted family, friends and neighbors. Give them copies of Protection/No Contact Orders.
-Change your daily routine.
-Plan ahead for unexpected contact with the abuser
Now That the Police Have Responded... What Happens Next?
If the responding police officer believes a crime was committed, the officer will give a copy of the police report to the City or County Prosecutor for review. The prosecutor will decide whether to file criminal charges. As a victim of domestic violence, you can ask the City or County Prosecuting Attorney to file a criminal complaint (see RCW 10.99.030(7)).
The State of Washington has a mandatory arrest law related to domestic violence incidents that outlines when the police must make an arrest. If arrested, the abuser is usually held without bail until the first court appearance (usually 24-48 hours). You can give input at any hearing where bail or release is being considered.
Who might contact me?
Domestic Violence Victim Advocate in the Criminal Justice System
In the criminal justice system the Domestic Violence Victim Advocate is a professional who works within a prosecutor's office or police department to support and inform you through criminal proceedings. The advocate can provide information to you about your case, domestic violence, and safety options, as well as referrals to community advocacy programs and other services. The advocate can also provide your input to the prosecutor regarding safety concerns, No Contact Orders and other issues. It is important to keep the advocate and the prosecutor informed of your current address and phone number so they can update you on what is happening with your case.
Detective
The police report may be given to a detective for review. The detective may want to follow up with you in order to complete the investigation. The detective may send the completed investigation to the prosecutor's office for review.
Prosecutor
The prosecutor is the attorney for the City or County, and decides whether charges will be filed. The prosecutor considers all available evidence when deciding whether charges will be filed, and may need to talk to you before making a decision.
"If the officer decides not to arrest or to initiate a criminal proceeding by citation or otherwise, you have the right as a victim of domestic violence to initiate a criminal proceeding (see RCW 10.99.030(6)(a) and CrRLJ 2.1(5)(C) for more information).
Defense Attorney
The abuser has the right to be represented by an attorney. This person is called the defense attorney. The defense attorney might attempt contact you to discuss what happened. You have the right to have a prosecutor, advocate or a support person with you whenever a defense attorney or his/her investigator wishes to discuss the case with you. To request this, call your advocate or the prosecutor.
Will charges be filed?
The prosecutor may or may not file charges against the abuser. If the prosecutor does not file charges, you will be informed of this decision. While your input is important, only the prosecutor decides whether or not to file charges. If charges are not filed and you feel you need protection, you can file a petition for a Domestic Violence Protection Order if you choose (see pages 12-13).
If charges are filed...
Once charged with a crime, the abuser is then called the Defendant. After charges are filed, an Arraignment hearing is held. The Defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. The Judge may decide to set bail (monetary amount), or allow the defendant to be released. While it is not required, you can attend the Arraignment hearing to ask the Judge to consider your opinion on bail. Your advocate can help you do this. If you have concerns about release, contact your advocate.
What is a No Contact Order?
If the abuser is arrested for or charged with a domestic violence-related crime, a No Contact Order may be issued to prohibit the abuser from contacting you. When issuing a No Contact Order, the Judge considers the input of the prosecutor and the victim, safety issues, and the Defendant's criminal history, as well as history of abuse. The judge may issue a No Contact Order whether or not you request one. Contact your advocate to discuss your wishes.
If a No Contact Order is issued, you will be sent a copy. If you are unsure whether a No Contact Order was issued, or you have not received your copy, please contact your advocate or the prosecutor.
A violation of the No Contact Order is a crime. It is the Defendant's responsibility to follow the No Contact Order. Even if you invite contact, the Defendant could be arrested and charged with additional crimes. To report a violation, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Will there be a trial?
After charges are filed, the defense attorney and prosecutor discuss whether to take the case to trial or to agree upon another way to resolve the case. The advocate or prosecutor can keep you informed of these discussions.
Many cases are resolved without a trial. If your case is set for trial, it may not occur right away. Keep in contact with your advocate and prosecutor during this time so they can update you on what may be happening. You may receive a subpoena, which is a legal document ordering attendance in court. It lists a name and telephone number you can call for more information about time and location. Failure to appear can result in legal action.
What happens if the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty?
If the Defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty, the Defendant will be sentenced. You have the right to be present and to be heard at the sentencing hearing. Your wishes and concerns are important to the prosecutor and the Judge. Your advocate can help you with any statement you may want to make at the sentencing hearing about how the crime has impacted you and what you would like to see happen.
Some common sentencing options in domestic violence cases are: domestic violence batterer's intervention, probation, alcohol or drug counseling, restitution for medical expenses or damaged property, jail time, no possession of firearms, community service, parenting classes, fines and a No Contact Order.
What Can A Domestic Violence Protection Order Do?
As a Victim of Domestic Violence, you have the right to file a petition requesting a Domestic Violence Protection Order in any Municipal, District or Superior Court in the county in which you reside (see RCW 10.99.030 (7)). There does not have to be an arrest, police report or criminal charge to request a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
A Domestic Violence Protection Order can:
- Prohibit the respondent, the abusive person, from harassing and/ or contacting the petitioner, the person seeking protection. The respondent may be ordered to have no contact with the petitioner including in person, by mail, by telephone, or through third parties.
- Exclude the respondent from petitioner's residence (even if shared), school, business, or place of employment, or from coming to the school or daycare of minor children.
- Award temporary custody of minor children to one parent, establish temporary visitation, and restrain one parent from interfering with custody.
- Order the respondent to participate in treatment or counseling.
- Prohibit the respondent from removing the children from the State.
- Restrain the respondent from committing further acts of abuse.
Who Can Be Protected:
- Spouse or former spouse
- Persons having a child in common
- Adult persons related by blood or marriage
- Adult persons who presently reside or used to reside together
Persons 16 years and older who have or have had a dating relationship
- Persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship
Please note: A Domestic Violence Protection Order is not considered enforceable until it has been personally served on the respondent.
A Domestic Violence Protection Order cannot:
- Order child support.
- Order maintenance income
- Assign property to either party
- Establish permanent child custody or "ownership" of family home
- Guarantee your safety. An Order for Protection works best if it is part of a comprehensive personal safety plan.
Process for Filing:
The forms you need to obtain a Domestic Violence Protection Order are available in any Municipal, District or Superior Court, or online at:
www.courts.wa.gov or www.protectionorder.org.
A Protection Order Advocate can help you file a Temporary Order for Protection at the locations below. A Temporary Order is in place for 14 days, at which time the court holds a "full order hearing." The respondent (the abusive person) may respond to your allegations by appearing at the full order hearing. At this hearing, the court hears from you and the respondent, and decides whether to extend the order for a year, or longer in some cases. You must attend this full order hearing to continue the Domestic Violence Protection Order beyond the initial 14-day temporary period.
Protection Order Advocates are available to help you at the following courts:
King County Courthouse
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King County Maleng Regional Justice Center
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Room C213
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Room 2B
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516 Third Avenue
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401 Fourth Avenue N.
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Seattle, WA 98104
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Kent, WA 98032
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206-477-1103
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206-477-3758
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