Departments | Attorney | Victim/Witness Program | Domestic Violence Crimes in Cerro Gordo County
The Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office prepared this information to help answer some questions about domestic violence cases. You do not deserve to be abused. There is help available. Our office and many others stand ready to do all we can to make you safer and hold your abuser accountable for the criminal conduct. We hope that this information serves to reduce your fears and address your concerns.
Domestic Violence is a pattern of controlling behaviors that may include physical assaults, sexual assaults, emotional abuse, isolation, threats, stalking and intimidation. These behaviors are used by one person in an intimate relationship to control the other. Assault that occurs under any of the following circumstances is defined as "domestic assault" in Iowa: A) Persons who are married, separated, or divorced; B) Parents of the same minor child; C) Adult family or household members currently residing together; D) Adult family or household members who have resided together within the past year.
Domestic violence is a crime. The County Attorney's Office files criminal complaints against individuals who commit crimes. Typically, we review the crime report, the batterer's criminal history, photographs of your injuries or property damage, 911 tapes, medical records, witness statements, prior history of domestic violence, and any other additional information you or others provide in order to prosecute the case. We believe batterers should be held accountable for their crimes. If this case goes to trial, all of the information gathered may be used as evidence to prove the defendant is guilty of the charges. In addition, the police officers who responded, as well as any witnesses (paramedics, neighbors, and children), may testify at the trial.
Iowa has a mandatory arrest law in cases of domestic violence. After the arrest, the defendant will have an initial appearance in front of a magistrate. At this time, a No Contact Order will most likely be issued. A No Contact Order states that the defendant shall have no contact of any nature, whether in person, by telephone, in writing, or otherwise with you as the protected party. It also states that the defendant shall not be on or adjacent to your residence, school, or place of employment. This order is in place throughout the criminal process. If the defendant does not obey this order, call the police immediately.
It is important that you keep a copy of your No Contact Order with you at all times. The criminal No Contact Order only applies to you. If you have children or other family that you are concerned about, you may want to consider applying for a civil 236 Protection Order. Crisis Intervention Service can assist you with this process.
It is unusual for a first-time domestic violence offender to get a lengthy jail sentence for a misdemeanor offense conviction, but there is a mandatory minimum two day sentence that must be served for any domestic violence conviction, as well as completion of the Batterer's Education Program. The offender may also be sentenced to probation and/or a substance abuse evaluation and recommended treatment. At sentencing, the No Contact Order may also be extended for one year. If the defendant does not comply with court orders, the judge has the power to send the batterer to jail.
You only have to testify if you receive a subpoena ordering you to appear in court. There may be some pre-trial events that you need to participate in, such as Violation of No Contact Order hearings and depositions. However, most domestic violence cases are resolved without going to trial. You will be notified regarding your appearance for any court matter.
No. You are a key witness to the crime. When the defendant abused you, he violated the laws of the State of Iowa. The prosecutor from the Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office represents the people of the State of Iowa and prosecutes the defendant for the crime committed.
It is impossible for you to drop the charges because you are not the one who filed charges. The charges were filed by the County Attorney's Office after reviewing all the evidence against the defendant. It is important for the defendant to realize that he must live within the laws of our society and that violent actions against you, or anyone else, have no place in our community. It is also important that the defendant gets help for his violent behavior.
Unless batterers receive help for their violent behavior, they will likely not stop being violent on their own. Often batterers have grown up in an environment of violence. In order to stop the cycle of violence in your relationship, the batterer must come to understand his behavior.
This is why persons convicted of domestic violence must complete a 24-week Batterer's Education Program (BEP). BEP seeks to teach batterers how to recognize and stop controlling and abusive behaviors in their family and intimate relationships. If they resist going to BEP, it is unlikely that they will positively change their behavior. If the person who has battered you does not change the behavior, then you may still be in danger.
Remember, batterers who attend BEP can still be violent. Use your own instincts and judgment. Plan for your safety; decide in advance what you will do when your abuser becomes violent. Crisis Intervention Service can help you develop a safety plan. In case of emergency, call 911.
The Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office has a Victim/Witness Coordinator (VWC) available to assist you throughout the criminal process. The VWC can provide you with basic information regarding the status of the case, register you as a victim for notification requirements, assist you with completion of Victim Impact Statements and restitution forms, make referrals to community services, prepare you for any hearings or depositions that you may have to participate in, and accompany you to any court proceedings. Please remember that the VWC is not bound by confidentiality and will communicate the information you provide to both law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney. The VWC is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have in regards to the criminal case.
Crisis Intervention Service (CIS) has several advocates available to assist you and is a free and confidential service. Anything you may share with them will not be passed along to law enforcement or the prosecuting attorney. An advocate can help you obtain a civil 236 Protection Order, discuss a safety plan, find a safe place for you to stay, provide counseling to you and/or your children, refer you to community resources, accompany you to court proceedings, provide support, and much more. CIS also provides different group counseling sessions where you can safely discuss issues with other women in similar situations. CIS phone lines are staffed 24-hours a day. You can reach them at: 641-424-9133 or 1-800-479-9071.
If you have been a victim of a violent crime, there is a state program that may be able to assist you with certain crime-related expenses. Please ask one of the above entities for more information, or call: 1-800-373-5044.
If you are a victim in a domestic violence case currently being prosecuted by the Cerro Gordo County Attorney's Office and you need to talk to someone about the case, call (641)421-3101 and ask to speak with the Victim/Witness Coordinator. Our phones are staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may also leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
We hope that this information has answered some of your questions. If you have other questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
