Our View: It takes courage to stand up to domestic violence

Across the nation, domestic violence crimes have been falling since 2011. Not in Modesto. Domestic violence crimes here have spiked.

In 2011, there were 213 cases; in 2014, there were 543 – a massive increase in three years. There are two possible explanations for such a startling rise. Chalk it up to “living in the Valley,” which requires us to believe there is some sort of social aberration that afflicts our region more than others; or you can see it as an indication that women here are finding the courage to step forward and get help for themselves and their children.

In light of Saturday’s tragedy, in which it appears domestic violence might have played a role in the unthinkable killing of five people, some will want to brush aside any explanation other than Modesto being a hellhole for women and children, or a place where law enforcement isn’t doing its job.

But statistics point to a different conclusion. The tragic reality of our rising numbers might be that women here are just now finding the courage to seek help; that a courageous few are taking control of their lives. When they do, they are finding help and resources at the Family Justice Center, the Haven, Redwood Family Center and in other programs that offer protection, financial assistance and education.

In 2012, the Department of Justice reported there were 4.8 domestic violence crimes per 1,000 population nationwide. For a city of 200,000 that would have meant around 960 incidents. But in 2012, only 379 incidents were reported in Modesto. It is impossible to believe there was any less domestic violence taking place here, in an economically depressed area, than across the nation. So we must conclude that most of the violence was going unreported.

In 2013, the national number had fallen to 4.2 incidents per 1,000, meaning Modesto could have expected 840 cases. Instead, only 415 were reported.

This is nothing to brag about. Just the opposite. It means Modesto wasn’t doing enough to fight this awful crime. It means the region still has much, much more work to do before women and men who are being beaten and abused feel secure enough to come forward. As it is, either not enough feel they can change or they are incapable of making such decisions due to perceived economic realities and feelings of worthlessness.

It is likely that there are scores if not hundreds of victims who need help but haven’t been able to seek it. And not just for themselves, but for their children.

We don’t know if Dr. Amanda Crews was living in an abusive situation. But we know police were on the verge of charging Martin Martinez, the father of her 6-month-old, in the October death of her 2-year-old son from a previous relationship.

Learning of Saturday’s carnage is horrifying. But to victims who have lived through abuse, or who are living in the midst of it, the reports must bring additional layers of terror and paralyzing fear. Sadly, this fear puts them at even greater risk of injury or death.

Domestic violence knows no class, age, gender or ethnic boundaries. It doesn’t respect your looks or your education. It cannot be wished away or overcome with patience and love.

The only way to survive a violent domestic situation is to get out. As always, that’s the hardest part, and most can’t do it without help.

Over the coming weeks, we’re going to see a lot of coverage of this tragedy. For some, we hope it will be the catalyst for leaving bad situations; for others it will make it harder yet. But we all play a role in helping end domestic violence. If we know it is occurring, we must report it. If we suspect it is occurring, we should try to show as much support as we can while encouraging the victims to seek help.

Crews never sought help from police and even defended Martinez as police investigated the death of her son. Perhaps she didn’t realize her danger. We hope this tragedy serves as the moment of truth for other victims and those around them.

If the victims of abuse make the decision to walk away, it is essential they know the community – and especially law enforcement – will be there when needed. For those still living in fear, we must help them recognize that there is a path out. A path to safety.

This story was originally published July 21, 2015 at 10:05 AM with the headline "Our View: It takes courage to stand up to domestic violence."