THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 3, 1994 TAG: 9407020396
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 35 lines
Regarding the June 25 report on domestic violence and spouse abuse:
Several area police departments were interviewed, and their input was used to help bring to light some of the problems in handling domestic situations.
In the case of a Suffolk officer, comments were taken out of context. Statements in the story were only partially correct. Most of the comments were not printed.
This is less than accurate reporting. It leaves the readers with a false impression of what was really said.
Domestic violence is a very serious matter not only for the victims involved but also for police officers. Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of injury and death to police officers in this country.
For this reason, if for no other, officers are well aware of the harm that can be inflicted in domestic-violence situations. All agencies should work together to help reach a goal to provide immediate assistance to victims of these crimes, especially in cases of spousal and child abuse where victims may be traumatized for years - or even life - as a result of mistreatment by brutal perpetrators.
Those with concerns that may have been caused by partial reporting may call me between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at (804) 925-6357.
M.E. Simpkins
Public information officer
Suffolk Police Department by CNB