“It’s been proven that animal cruelty can be an indication of domestic violence in the home,” said Nelson Picardo, legislative aide to 39th District Assembly member Patty Lopez at a workshop held on September 16th in Sunland-Tujunga. “While these are difficult subjects for most people to talk about and hear about, it’s very important that the community have this information so these issues can be addressed.”
The workshop, which was attended by 35 people, took place at Sunland Foursquare Church, 10602 Sherman Grove Ave. in Sunland and included information from representatives from the LAPD, the L.A. City Attorney’s Office, and the L.A. County Department of Public Health. In addition to Picardo, attending the meeting were Brenda Fortune and Olga Torrejon, who serve as legislative aides to Assemblywoman Lopez.
LAPD Officer Jean Lamas, who leads the domestic abuse response team (DART), started off the meeting by describing the different ways domestic abuse is perpetuated: on partners and spouses, the elderly, and children. Often, police arrive on the scene, only to be told that it was all a misunderstanding. He attributed this response to fear of the perpetrator, who may threaten to harm others in the family if a complaint is made. Knowing this, Officer Lamas said his team has special training to ask questions of those involved in an incident of domestic abuse. Unfortunately, companion animals are also targets for the abuser, both before and after assaulting an individual.
Knowing about animal abuse and not reporting it is a contributing factor to ongoing, repeated cases of domestic abuse. Officer Lamas encouraged those who suspect or have witnessed any form of animal abuse to call or text it in so that animals can be taken to a secure location while the alleged crime is being investigated. To report a case of animal abuse that is occurring, call “911” or after the fact, call: 818 756-8861.
The next speaker was Wendy Monge, a registered nurse from Nurse Family Partnership, who talked about the resources offered through the L.A. County Department of Public Health. Nurse Monge works primarily with first time mothers and pregnant teens or young women (aged 15 – late 20s) who are living in at-risk situations. By visiting them in their homes, she is able to provide nutritional information on what a baby will need and how to prepare for the arrival of a new baby. By helping at-risk mothers prepare for a new baby, sometimes situations that can otherwise cause frustration or anger can be alleviated. For more information, please visit: (www.nursefamilypartnership.org)
When to file a restraining order and what a restraining order can do was the next subject, which was addressed by Attorney Vanessa Martinez from the County of Los Angeles. A restraining order is a temporary or short-term legal document that can provide police protection at a moment’s notice whenever a person is being threatened by the abuser. In cases of domestic violence, restraining orders can be obtained for free from the Los Angeles Police Department if there is reasonable proof to support one’s case. Restraining orders are issued when an adult or child has injuries or is in imminent danger. Once the restraining order is filed, it must be served by a sheriff (or another party over the age of 18) to the defendant within 24 hours. For more information on retraining orders, contact LAPD.
Eugenia Pensel, a Certified Batterer Interventionist, then talked about her job which involves working with defendants in jail or prison who have been convicted of committing a battery. By providing assessments and behavioral coaching to these individuals, the chances of them committing a similar crime are lower.
Kassandra Perez, prosecutor for the City Attorney’s Office, ended the workshop by reviewing the link between domestic violence and cases of animal abuse and encouraged those who have witnessed such events to report them to LAPD. Being involved and coming forward – even by using the anonymous tip line – is critical to stopping the cycle of abuse.
Report a Crime to the Tip Line:
To report animal abuse or other crimes, call: 1-877-527-3247 (877-LAPD247).
You can also text a tip anonymously to the number: 2-7-4-6-3-7 (which spells out “Crimes”). In the body of the text, type the word “LAPD” then leave a space, then type your crime tip and send it. You will receive a confirmation from TipSoft after submitting a tip. For the purpose of one’s own protection, LAPD suggests deleting both the outgoing text and the incoming response from 274637.
To send an anonymous tip via email, go to: www.lapdonline.org and follow the link for “Anonymous Web Tips.” You will be asked to fill in a form and submit it via the internet.
If anyone would like more information on any of these subjects, you can email Assembly Member Patty Lopez at: [email protected] or call Brenda Fortune at her office: (818) 365-2464. The office of Assemblywoman Lopez is located at: 302 S. Brand Boulevard, San Fernando, CA.
The Channel Islands, off the coast of Ventura, California, provide a fascinating day trip or overnight camping trip for anyone looking for a new adventure. There are five islands located across the Santa Barbara Channel that are part of Channel Islands National Park. While each of the islands are unique, the trip out there is just as exciting as it offers sightings of schools of dolphins, sea birds, seals, sea lions and even whales, depending on the time of year you visit.
s of land while Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary covers an additional six nautical miles of water around the islands. Once connected to each other, but not to the mainland, the islands developed unique ecosystems of flora and fauna that are found nowhere else on earth. You can learn about the islands’ history and efforts to protect it by visiting the Channel Islands National Visitors Center, located at 
By Pat KRAMER
