Bay City News
Santa Clara County authorities highlighted the effectiveness of restraining orders in combating domestic violence with the news that last year not a single victim killed by domestic violence in the county had a restraining order on file.
Ten people died from domestic violence in Santa Clara County in 2005, up from six victims the year before but still the second-lowest total since 1994, according to Assistant District Attorney Rolanda Pierre-Dixon, who leads the county’s Domestic Violence Death Review Team.
“We’re knocking on wood. We’re hopeful that things are starting to change,” Pierre-Dixon said.
County officials will keep last year’s theme, “Speak Up, Save Lives,” in this year’s campaign to combat domestic violence. Pierre-Dixon said it is extremely important that friends, family and community members who witness a violent relationship inform authorities immediately.
“If you know someone who is suffering from domestic violence you need to make the call,” she said.
