+- Punaweb Forum (http://punaweb.org/forum)
+-- Forum: Punaweb Forums (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=3)
+--- Forum: Punatalk (http://punaweb.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10)
+--- Thread: Domestic VIOLENCE (/showthread.php?tid=1207)
Pages:
1
2
Domestic VIOLENCE - DoryGray - 07-07-2007
Fri July 6, I was driving through Orchidland 40th Ave. when I witnessed an ASSAULT occuring in the middle of the road. The victim apparently went to the middle of the road to escape the ASSAULT that was happening to her, thinking someone would help her in a public place. She was a mother with a 3 year old beautiful little girl who was clinging to her mother throughtout the ASSAULT. If you wonder why I'm using the word ASSAULT, it's because domestic violence has seemingly become a benign catchphrase that people (including the police) are sick of hearing about. Domestic Violence is just that, one human being assaulting another human being's person, doing harm, an UNLAWFUL physical attack. As I called 911 & waited for them to come, I witnessed no less than 10 cars, pass by, uninterested in saving a woman's life. One other woman stopped & waited with me. Have you all forgotten so soon, the boy who saved his mother's life in a "domestic" by giving up his own life? Have you all forgotten the violence perpetrated on a 9 month pregnant woman who had her baby stabbed to death while in her womb? What is wrong with you humans? Don't want to get involved? What if that were your daughter, sister, mother? Or if that was your granddaughter being traumatized for the rest of her life, by seeing her mother beaten. I just listened to a 60 year old man talk angrily about his mother getting beaten by his father when he was a child - the wounds are deep. Hawaii is supposed to be about OHANA, the spirit of aloha. What I witnessed could have happened in New York City, where people stood around and watched as a woman was stabbed to death on the sidewalk. Shame on you, especially those who drove mindlessly by not wanting to spare their precious time. If you see one human being assaulting another, get involved, call the police, protect your sisters - next time it could be you. Get with the program Hawaii!!!
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Kelena - 07-07-2007
Good rant. Hawaii can do better. The best thing to do is to try to understand the root causes of domestic violence. I don't understand them.
A person who would harm a mother in the presence of her little girl is more animal than human, and is capable of anything so people are probably afraid to get involved. It is partly US cultural. When I lived in France, I saw a man slap a child in a public square. He was immediately surrounded by about 30 citizens who came out of nowhere, took the child from him and called police. The man looked genuinely fearful. Where these citizens came from I will never know. They simply appeared. The social pressure NOT to commit domestic violence was intense. The police came and I am sure the man regretted ever putting a mark on that child.
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Big_Island - 07-07-2007
Very sorry to hear about this happening to one of my nieghbors.
I live on 40th near Orchidland Drive. Was home working in the yard all day. I didnt see or hear anything out of the ordinary.
Thanks for steppin up and helping the situation. Glad you wernt attacked also, as I know sometimes the attacker can get very mad when others try and help...
Not exactly a situation I would want my wife driving with our 4 kids to put herself in.
Can I ask where on 40th did this take place?
Beau S.
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - KeithLee - 07-07-2007
"Hawaii is supposed to be about OHANA, the spirit of aloha."
Welcome to the rude awakening and a real aspect of Hawaii.
I have witnessed ASSAULTS several times on the island over the years. I was not in a position to help, nor did I have a phone.
People did come forward and help once they saw what was happening.
I just love these posts where I am somehow guilty of not living up to the ideal of Ohana and Aloha, along with the rest of Hawaii. The world could do better...this is not an problem that is uniquely Hawaii's.
I now have a cell phone and if I saw it occuring I would at the very least call the police.
I recommend watching a movie called Beyond Paradise filmed in Kona http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1808493905/info
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - ericlp - 07-07-2007
There are lot's of reasons "NOT" to get involved...
I've witnessed a friend of mine that got involved with domestic situation. Not only did he get attacked by the assaulter but by the victim as well.
It's best to call the cops and let them handle it.
You never know... But knives and other weapons could be used on you. Sometimes they are just waiting for the right person to step up so they can take out their anger. Unless you (yourself) has pepper spray or access to some weapon it's best to let the professionals handle it.
Good Luck
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Beachboy - 07-09-2007
quote:
There are lot's of reasons "NOT" to get involved...
I agree, I too tried to help once only to get hit by the supposed victim too. In some cases it's the only type of affection the women knows.
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Kapohocat - 07-09-2007
quote:
There are lot's of reasons "NOT" to get involved...
I've witnessed a friend of mine that got involved with domestic situation. Not only did he get attacked by the assaulter but by the victim as well.
It's best to call the cops and let them handle it.
You never know... But knives and other weapons could be used on you. Sometimes they are just waiting for the right person to step up so they can take out their anger. Unless you (yourself) has pepper spray or access to some weapon it's best to let the professionals handle it.
Good Luck
I worked with the DVIAT (Domestic Violence Interagency Team) more than 11 years ago in Hilo. Call 911, tell the police that someone is being "assaulted", and also tell them the perpetrator may have a gun - do not say "there is a guy beating up his wife"... (sorry if that seems like lying but a possible gun will get the officers there faster than a domestic violence incident).
The best thing you can do is call 911. If you try to intercede, and you get hurt now there are two people for the fire/rescue.
Other choices may be to pull up and stop at a very safe distance for you, lock your doors (of course roll up the window and leave your car running as you dial 911!). Let the perpetrator know that others see him and are willing to do something, i.e(call 911). and there will be consequences. In this state, years ago the legislature removed the ability for the victim to drop the charges. It takes the responsibility for putting someone in jail out of the hands of the victim who may or may not press charges down the line.
Did I mention call 911 immediately?
If you have neighbors that seem to be involved in domestic violence it is important that each and every time, someone calls the police.
Catherine Dumond
Blue Water Project Management
808 217-7578
http://bluewaterpm.125mb.com/index.html
"We help make building your dream home a reality"
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Carey - 07-12-2007
The police in Keaau responded fast to a domestic disturbance on our street (neighbors daughter's ex (protective order)had a group try to get her out of the house) less than 5 minutes there were 3 cars & all of the "helpers were sent away. 1 car stayed, & arrested a car load of the helpers that came back.
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - ricklt23 - 07-13-2007
I appreciate what you do cat, but as an officer for 25 years I take exception to
"and also tell them the perpetrator may have a gun"
Lying is never right and it could cause very tragic consequences. It also impinges your credibility as a possible witness.
If you call in and say a man is beating a woman right now, you will get just as fast a response.
If you think this isn't true, you should come ride with my department some time.
Also, and very important, if you really want to help stop domestic violence, be willing to testify in court. What officers see when they get onscene is often very very different than what you saw. And your victim often will not tell them the truth.
Edited by - ricklt23 on 07/13/2007 13:08:18
RE: Domestic VIOLENCE - Kapohocat - 07-13-2007
quote:
I appreciate what you do cat, but as an officer for 25 years I take exception to
"and also tell them the perpetrator may have a gun"
Lying is never right and it could cause very tragic consequences. It also impinges your credibility as a possible witness.
If you call in and say a man is beating a woman right now, you will get just as fast a response.
If you think this isn't true, you should come ride with my department some time.
Also, and very important, if you really want to help stop domestic violence, be willing to testify in court. What officers see when they get onscene is often very very different than what you saw. And your victim often will not tell them the truth.
Edited by - ricklt23 on 07/13/2007 13:08:18
Aloha Rick and thanks for the info. May I ask if you are an officer in this county?
The domestic violence responses in the COH may have much improved since the days of Kenneth and Yvonne Mathison (see below in case you dont live in Puna) when domestic violence responses were to separate the parties for 24 hours and little enforcement of TRO's. But I will take your advice under consideration.
On the other hand, I definately agree with you on the testifying part. We all have to stand up for that.
in 1992:
Police officer Kenneth Mathison's wife, Yvonne Martin, dead body was found on the highway near the couple's van. Kenneth Mathison claimed Yvonne jumped out and he accidentally ran her over, but bloodstains inside the van argued otherwise. Mathison's colleagues initially charged him with a misdemeanor traffic violation.
Edited by - kapohocat on 07/13/2007 14:12:14