VIPER unit reaches out to domestic violence victims

During the briefing, Maj. Todd Druse explains the purpose of the special operation – the first of its kind for the V.I.P.E.R. unit.

“We’re going to go out there and visit with the victims. We’re going to try to convince them that we’re still here after the fact, after the arrest, after the smoke clears,” he said.

For the next several hours, ten deputies with the Barrow County Sheriff's Office VIPER unit will be on the road meeting with recent victims of domestic violence to see how they are doing and to make sure that their abusers have not violated restraining orders or bond conditions put in place for their protection.


V.I.P.E.R. UNIT
The V.I.P.E.R. - or Violent Incident Process Enforcement and Response - unit was created to help victims of domestic violence.

Since its inception in 2009, the all-volunteer unit has worked to end the cycle of violence often experienced by victims of domestic abuse. Each member of the unit receives extensive training including at least 40 hours of domestic violence response education every two years.

Understanding the cycle of violence is critical in order to help victims of domestic abuse, said unit member Sgt. Faye Spaulding.

In the first phase of this cycle, the couple will argue. The abuser’s anger will continue to grow until the second phase in which an actual violent incident occurs. Though the physical incident may lead to the abuser’s arrest, oftentimes the victim will return to the abuser and refuse to press charges.

The reasons for this vary, but can include financial dependence, low self esteem or the belief that the incident was an isolated occurrence.

Spaulding said it is important to understand all the factors in a victim’s decision to remain with his or her abuser and be there to offer assistance once the decision is made to change the situation.

When the victim decides to leave and move on with his or her life, that is a success, Spaulding explained.

The victim’s behavior combined with the occasional setback once the case goes to court can make dealing with domestic violence cases a frustrating experience for authorities.

The members of the V.I.P.E.R. unit, perhaps more so than most law enforcement officials, understand and are better prepared to deal with these issues.

Spaulding said unit members need “a willing heart” to remain motivated in the face of adversity.

“You have to have a passion for it,” she said.

“You just have to keep a positive frame of mind and believe in what you are doing,” Jackson added.


'JUST A START'
Lt. Wayne Driggers, V.I.P.E.R. chairperson, said the unit is off to a good start, but there is much more planned.

“Our first year with it was just starting to lay the groundwork,” he said. Reviewing policies, adding personnel and setting unit goals were necessary first steps.

Now, Driggers is ready to expand the operation.

“I’ve just been burning with ideas, things I would like to do,” he said.

From creating the unit’s web site and Facebook page to originating the idea for Friday night’s special operation, Driggers is working to make V.I.P.E.R. a model unit for handling domestic violence cases.

Making his job easier is support from the highest levels of the Sheriff’s Office administration.

Sheriff Jud Smith has been completely supportive of the V.I.P.E.R. unit and their goals, Driggers said.

“He wants us to be successful,” Driggers said. “He wants everybody to know we are serious about domestic violence. Obviously, we can’t stop it completely, but people realize what we are doing will have an effect.”


A GOOD NIGHT
Shortly after 10 p.m., the deputies reconvene at the detention center.

The good news: the victims contacted this evening reported no recent problems with their abusers. The bad news is that a large number of cases are still awaiting follow up.

Still, Driggers and the other members of the unit remain optimistic that they can have a positive impact on individuals who have suffered from domestic violence.

“Of course, there is only so much that we can do. There are only so many we can get to,” Driggers said. “There are so many cases, we were just barely able to put a dent in it tonight.”


UP NEXT
On Saturday, July 17, the Barrow County Sheriff's Office will host a Public Safety Day at the Barrow Crossing Shopping Center.

The V.I.P.E.R. Unit and representatives of Peace Place will be present to answer questions and provide information about domestic violence. Representatives will also be collecting donations for Peace Place including old unused cell phones, office supplies, paper products, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, furniture, linens and various other items needed at the center.

Representatives from other local and state law enforcement agencies will also be on hand. Special activities and demonstrations are planned throughout the day. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

The Barrow Crossing Shopping Center is located near the intersection of Georgia Highway 316 and Georgia Highway 81 at 916 Loganville Highway in Bethlehem.

For more information about the Barrow County Sheriff's Office V.I.P.E.R. Unit, visit http://www.wix.com/barrowcountysheriff/barrowdvunit.