Making a difference for domestic battery victims

Implementation of the Special Victims Response Team has resulted in nearly three times the conviction rate of domestic battery cases in Douglas County.

District Attorney Mark Jackson told about 60 people Monday at the 11th annual Purple Ribbon Coalition Candlelight Vigil at Heritage Park the team's success is making a big difference to victims of domestic violence.

"We're one step closer to stopping domestic violence in Douglas County," Jackson said. "We'll have even better statistics next year. Together we have made a difference and together we will continue to make a difference."

The annual vigil is held to raise awareness of domestic violence in Douglas County and to remember its victims.

The event was organized by the Purple Ribbon Coalition, made up of six Carson Valley service clubs, the Family Support Council and the Douglas High School Key Club.

"There is abuse in our little Carson Valley," said Pat Cardinal, a member of the coalition and mistress of ceremonies for the vigil.

"We like to think that here in God's country bad stuff doesn't happen, but we all know it does."

Jackson said when he took office in January 2007, he made prosecution of domestic violence a top priority. He said the Special Victims Response Team meets weekly and has been "highly successful" in reducing the number of victims who recant their allegations.

"We're putting the most experienced prosecutors on the domestic violence cases," he said.

Sheriff Ron Pierini said by Sept. 1, there had been 485 contacts for domestic violence in Douglas County compared to 785 for all of 2007.

"We can be proud that the statistics haven't grown, but we need to do better," Pierini said. "I ask you to be ambassadors, the ones who can identify and help others and raise awareness. Your next-door neighbor, a relative, a daughter or son may be involved.

"Every year, we need to come back for this," he said of the vigil. "Every day we need to be part of the solution."