Deputies' group joins effort to end domestic violence
Campaign to raise awareness of problem will include billboards, radio advertisements

Statistics show that 44 percent of women slain by their husbands were previously hospitalized because of domestic violence and 50 percent of the homeless women and children in Ventura County are fleeing domestic violence.

These statistics underscore why the Ventura County Deputy Sheriffs' Association and the Coalition to End Family Violence are working together to stop the violence.

October is recognized nationally as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To highlight this designation and raise awareness of this destructive social problem, the coalition is partnering with the deputy sheriff's association to sponsor radio advertisements and billboards throughout the county.

The billboards went up and the radio spots started airing on Oct. 2. The advertisements include information on how to contact the coalition's bilingual hot line at (800) 300-2181. This is the only hot line in the county to provide 24hour bilingual counseling by certified, trained counselors.

"VCDSA has a perfect partner in the coalition," said Matt Findlay, president of the deputy sheriff's association. "The core mission of VCDSA members is to 'fight gangs, drugs and domestic violence.' Our goals are linked together, and helping raise awareness about domestic violence prevention and education is a public service we're eager to provide."

Cherie Duval, coalition president, said that she is "delighted" to be working with the deputy sheriffs' association.

"VCDSA has been a major sponsor and supporter of the coalition's activities. They've made a big difference in increasing public awareness about family violence in Ventura County," Duval said.