Santa Clarita’s Child and Family Center hosted a symposium Tuesday to educate the public on the signs and statistics of domestic and intimate partner violence across varying age groups.

During the educational session, domestic abuse specialists from the Child and Family Center and local law enforcement shared their knowledge of the complex impact of abuse in the home on individuals and family units.

On average, one in three women and one in four men have experienced some form of physical violence by an intimate partner. This includes a range of behaviors, including slapping, shoving, pushing, and, in some cases, might not be considered criminal “domestic violence,” according to a 2003-2012 U.S. Department of Justice study.

Topics of discussion included the long-term impacts of abuse in the home on adults and children, signs of domestic and partner violence, as well as the legal process that follows a 9-1-1 call.

“During the incident, the number one priority is going to be the safety of the survivor,” said Sgt. Keith Greene with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Greene encouraged survivors to attempt to create space between themselves and an abuser before calling 9-1-1 if at all possible, as calling for help could agitate the situation and further risk the survivor’s safety.

“Domestic violence is a dangerous call for law enforcement. And when (deputies) do arrive, they will be ordering people around in order to separate parties and keep everybody safe,” Greene noted.

For more information regarding the Child and Family Center, click here.

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