Domestic violence is a crime.
According to F.B.I. reports a woman is beaten every 15 seconds in the United States. The Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Unit only prosecutes cases of domestic violence. The unit generally prosecutes repeat offenders or cases involving severe physical injury to the victim. Once a case is brought into the Unit it is prosecuted by the same Deputy District Attorney through all criminal proceedings. Vertical prosecution ensures consistency in punishment and policy, greater efficiency of government resources, and most importantly, fosters an individual bond of trust and concern between the victim and the prosecutor.