Westerville SAFE Initiative Updates Legal Definition Domestic Violence Law Defines “Intimate Partner” A potential gap in legal terms related to domestic violence was closed earlier this year as Westerville City Council voted to include an “intimate partner” as a relationship that qualifies for protection. Ordinance 2022-02 passed unanimously on February 15, 2022 as part of ongoing efforts in the Westerville SAFE initiative, an umbrella of public safety programs managed by the Westerville Division of Police (WPD).
Chandler says it’s a nationwide effort to expand domestic violence protections, and action is needed at the local level even though the state of Ohio is not one of 37 states to add “intimate partner” to domestic violence protections. “Violence between intimate partners is domestic violence,” said Chief Chandler. “The accused and the victim can be in a long term serious relationship without meeting current definitions of the law, like family or household members related directly by blood, or with a common child or in current or prior marriage for protection. This gives us another tool to help people who are victims of violence in intimate relationships.” Chief Chandler said this updated language addresses protections for people who are in a dating, romantic or in an otherwise intimate relationship.
According to WPD Chief of Police Charles Chandler, domestic violence laws previously extended only to people who are directly related by blood, marriage or cohabitate in an intimate relationship. It did not protect or restrict those who are/were dating or other similar types of less-formal relationships. Chief Chandler began this review last year, introducing the updated legislation to help define relationships that are eligible to seek a Civil Protection Order from the Domestic Relations Court (Ohio Revised Code section 3113.31). Such protection now includes “dating relationships,” which mirrors updated language being used across the country to recognize modern relationships and expand protections.
“Westerville is not immune to the issue, as there are many ‘datingbut-not-cohabitating’ relationships, especially college students,” he said. “This type of call is not unusual. Data from the CDC [U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] tells us that one in four women and one in seven men are abused by an intimate partner. So it is here in this community and now we have better resources to help.”
Chief Chandler emphasizes the value of protection orders or other protective resources if you or someone you know is affected by domestic violence. photo The City of Westerville partners with Nationwide’s Center for Family Safety and Healing. Find information at www.familysafetyandhealing.org.
WPD’s Self Defense Training Returns After a two-year COVID hiatus, the Community Services Bureau of the Westerville Division of Police (WPD) will host the first Self Defense course of the year on Saturday, June 4 at the Westerville Community Center. The event begins at 8 a.m. and will run through early afternoon. Participants of all ages and ability levels (some portions of the class are physical) learn techniques designed to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of a violent attack. Certified self-defense instructors demonstrate and provide instruction through simple, effective defensive skills. Tips from safety experts about how to react to an attacker are also discussed. The course teaches three rules and principles: • React immediately when in a dangerous situation. • Resist an attack. • Crime scene two is always worse than crime scene one. Statistics show physical injuries are more likely if the victim is moved to another location. A $25 refundable deposit is required for the course. Minors under the age of 14 must attend class with a parent or guardian. For more information, or to register, visit police.westerville.org.
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