Posted by: euser
December 09, 2010
Topic: Domestic Violence

A recent tragedy in Louisville is a reminder of the fact that secret domestic violence occurring completely behind closed doors can turn deadly...with no warning to family, friends, or even the victim. Earlier this week, The Courier Journal reported that two people found dead in a Louisville home were the victims of murder-suicide. The full article can be read here: http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20101206/NEWS01/312060073/1008/NEWS01/2+deaths+in+northeast+Louisville+were+murder-suicide++coroner+s+office+says

The coroner's office determined that the wife, Debra Griffaw, died of a gunshot would to the head. The coroner's office ruled her death a homicide. The husband, Terrance Griffaw, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. In 2003, Terrance was arrested on a misdemeanor assault charge involving a previous wife. The previous wife was injured when Terrance became angry that she couldn't find their ATM card. Terrance grabbed her by the arm and kicked her feet out from under her, causing her to fall and become injured. Police were sent to the hospital where she was treated. The previous wife told police that they were going through a divorce at the time.

While it may never be known why Terrance Griffaw killed his wife, the painful reality is that Debra could have been a victim of domestic violence. Her friends and family may have been completely unaware of a perilous situation about to turn deadly. According to Bureau of Justice statistics, on average, more than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in this country every day. Most cases of domestic violence are never reported to the police.

Additionally, one in every four women will experience domestic relations in her lifetime, and an estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. T he U.S. Department of Justice also reported that between 1998 and 2002, 50 percent of offenders in state prison for spousal abuse killed their victims. Wives were about half of all spouses in the population in 2002, but 81 percent of all persons killed by a spouse in that period were female. Studies also show that about half of men and women who abuse other adults also abuse their children. Girls whose fathers batter their mothers are 6.5 times more likely to be sexually abused by their fathers than girls from non-violent homes. It is noteworthy that statistics may be skewed by the fact that men are statistically less likely to report being a victim of domestic violence.

Kentucky's laws on domestic violence are set forth in Chapter 403 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. In KRS 403.720 (1), domestic violence and abuse is defined as physical injury, serious physical injury, sexual abuse, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical injury, serious physical injury, sexual abuse, or assault between family members or members of an unmarried couple. This means that a person can be a victim of domestic violence whether they have been harmed, or simply because the person has reason to fear injury or abuse.

Domestic violence is a frightening, and often silent, epidemic. Laws and resources exist to protect victims of domestic violence. The difficulty is that victims must come forward to receive protection. Having knowledgeable legal counsel can make that process easier. If you are the victim of domestic violence, the most important first step is to find a place where you are safe from violence. Consider contacting police for help. After you are safe, think about retaining an attorney experienced in domestic violence issues. Louis P. Winner and I are here to help. To contact us, fill out the form located in the left margin of our homepage, or click the button to your left to contact us. We offer free and confidential thirty minute consultations to new clients. --Stacy Anne Hoehle

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