Public called upon to help curb ‘disease’ of domestic violence

Keith Paul

Friday, July 13, 2001 | 10:28 a.m.

After 21 domestic related homicides in Clark County this year, state and local officials gathered Thursday to call on everyone in the community to help prevent the "disease" of domestic violence.

"Never underestimate for one moment the power one person can have to affect a life," said Karen Marconi, executive director of Safe House. "Our silence can no longer be excusable. Each and every one of us can make a difference."

State Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa cautioned against asking victims, "Why don't you leave?" Instead, she said, direct them to get help from the police, courts and community resources.

Last year in Metro Police's jurisdiction there were 16 domestic violence related slayings, but in the first six months of this year there have already been 17 with another four in North Las Vegas.

"Domestic violence is much like a disease," Sheriff Jerry Keller said. "If left untreated, it is terminal."

Metro has developed programs to educate officers about domestic violence and has a special unit dedicated to investigating the crimes. District Attorney Stewart Bell said his office is committed to prosecuting and targeting domestic violence.

But even when police and the courts get involved, domestic violence can still end in death.

Such was the case in the slaying of Joanne Williams. She died June 18 from a severe beating and her boyfriend, Howard Brown Sr., 44, was arrested.

He was due to appear in court the day after her slaying on battery charges from allegations of beating her previously.

Local police agencies and hotlines receive thousands of domestic violence calls a year. Additionally, there are many more episodes that never get reported. This harms not only the person being hit but also the children of the house who witness the violence, officials said.

Anyone who is the victim of domestic violence or knows someone who is a victim may call Safe Nest at 646-4981 or Safe House at 564-3227 for information and help.