Val Demings: “Some of the hardest calls law enforcement officers take are intimate partner violence calls. These situations are…”

“Some of the hardest calls law enforcement officers take are intimate partner violence calls. These situations are heartbreaking, volatile, dangerous, and far too commonplace. Domestic violence affects every community and crosses all racial and socioeconomic lines. It is heartbreaking and even more tragic because domestic violence is often preventable. That is the purpose of the Violence Against Women Act. One in five homicides in Florida is a result of domestic violence. In 2016, over 100,000 domestic violence incidents were reported to police in Florida. Since I began my remarks, three women have been beaten, battered, or murdered. Mr. Chairman, these calls are extremely dangerous for everyone involved. When law enforcement responds to these calls, they too are put at great risk. In 2017, more officers were shot responding to domestic violence calls than any other type of call. All too often, it is a first responder, family member, neighbor, or other loved one who is killed in a domestic violence incident. In fact, these deaths make up 1 of 5 domestic violence homicide victims. We have to train, equip, and empower law enforcement, healthcare providers, and other responders to address intimate partner violence. These programs have already proven effective. Grantees funded by VAWA have trained nearly 90,000 law enforcement officers in best practices and techniques to handle these sensitive situations.…”