The Pierce County Commission Against Domestic Violence in partnership with local law enforcement has called a news conference for Friday, Oct. 3 from noon to 12:30 p.m. at Tollefson Plaza, South 17th Street and Pacific Avenue in Tacoma.  Their message is that domestic violence is not acceptable in Pierce County and domestic violence offenders are being held accountable.

The Pierce County Sheriff's Department and Bonney Lake, Lakewood, Puyallup, Sumner and Tacoma police departments will be on hand and placing purple ribbon magnets on their patrol cars to show support and put perpetrators of violence on notice.  Sheriff's and police officers, prosecutors, probation officers, advocates and representatives of the Washington State Department of Corrections will speak to their agencies' roles in the fight against domestic violence.

Speakers include Tacoma Police Capt. Charles Meinema, Pierce County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mary Robnett, Victim Liaison Sherina James of the Department of Corrections and Victim Advocate Nancy Shattuck of the Puyallup City Attorney's Office.

"One of the first steps in changing individual and community tolerance of domestic violence is to emphasize that violence is a crime," said Ann Eft, the commission's executive director. "Domestic violence hurts children, families and communities.  This criminal activity supports generational violence, increases medical costs and results in loss of life and productivity.

Eft said the commission appreciates the role that law enforcement plays in holding offenders responsible for their violent behavior. Law enforcement’s crucial contribution to any coordinated response is to arrest with cause, investigate, and serve Orders of Protection.  These actions emphasize that domestic violence offenders who abuse a family member will be arrested, prosecuted and serve time.

The news conference is aimed at increasing community awareness of domestic violence as a crime that puts family members at risk.  "This is the time to speak out, break the silence and confront attitudes and behaviors that support domestic violence.  Domestic violence won't stop until we make it stop," Eft said.

CONTACT: Ann Eft, Commission Against Domestic Violence, 253-798-7660 or cell 253-973-5206; AEft@tpchd.org; or Dick Ferguson, Pierce County Communications, 253-798-3979