Bethany Harrison
Lynchburg's Commonwealth's Attorney
Ending the Cycle of Violence
Intimate partner violence is a significant issue not just in this community but nationwide. I began my career in 2006 prosecuting the majority of my cases in the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, where the trials of misdemeanor crimes involving intimate partner violence are heard and where felony crimes involving such violence begin. I have a foundation of experience with these cases to draw from and the knowledge and leadership ability to help deal with this issue in our city.
Nationally nearly 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experience some form of physical violence by an intimate partner within their lifetime.[1]
Intimate partner violence accounts for 15% of all violent crime.[2]
Victims of intimate partner violence lose a total of 8 million days of paid work each year.[3]
Physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health effects have been linked with intimate partner violence. Victims of domestic violence are also at higher risk for developing addictions to alcohol, tobacco, or drugs.[4]
More than 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men have experienced intimate partner sexual assault, physical violence, or stalking.[5]
One in 15 children are exposed to intimate partner violence each year and 90% of these children are eyewitnesses to this violence.[6]
With such sobering numbers, an organized and systematic response is needed to address the perennial problem of intimate partner violence. Community partners must work together to envelop victims and survivors with viable alternatives to returning to their former life of abuse. If victims are supported, studies show they are much more likely to leave their abuser thus ending the cycle of violence.[7]
Positive outcomes that break the cycle of violence are good for victims and survivors of violence, their children, our community, and our economy.
It is my priority to continue a disciplined and organized partnership among the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, law enforcement, the department of probation and parole, victim services providers, and other agencies to provide assistance to victims and hold offenders accountable.