Domestic violence is a scourge on society that inflicts many victims that include both women and men.  Unfortunately, domestic violence also harms children in many different ways, including when they are forced to witness these acts of brutality.  Statistics regarding domestic violence are always taken with a grain of salt due to what some believe is rampant under-reporting of the issue, but recently released statistics have begun to shed some light on the issue with regards to children.

We posted a couple of weeks ago regarding a disturbing story coming out of Kansas that involves the inability of prosecutors to pursue misdemeanor domestic violence charges against alleged abusers because of a lack of budgetary funds.  It seems that Staten Island, New York is moving in the other direction in terms of its handling of this deeply troubling issue of domestic abuse, as it has announced a new program intended to provide an additional layer of protection for those who have suffered through this conduct.

When we hear about domestic abuse or even abusive relationships in general, we tend to feel sorry for those who have had to endure such conduct and we also tend to think that it will never happen to us.  That’s why so many people who suddenly find themselves on the receiving end of this conduct rarely know what to do when these situations arise and they find themselves in a situation of extreme danger.

All of us have read, seen or perhaps even experienced the crunch that has come with the budget cuts and austerity measures that have been put in place across the United States.  The need to cut back on budgets has had an effect on just about every aspect of society, including law enforcement.  However, a recent decision made by officials in Kansas has advocates, victims and general citizens enraged.