Bio SoCal was on the scene at the Walmart parking lot in Coachella to complete a blood and homicide cleanup after a woman was stabbed to death after getting out of her car last month.
When the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department responded to an emergency call, they found a woman lying on the pavement suffering from at least one stab wound. Though CalFire immediately started lifesaving measures, the woman tragically passed away at the scene. The suspect fled the area, but police found her and took her into custody, learning that the suspect was the daughter of the victim. The woman arrested has since been charged with murder and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger. Bail has been set at $1 million.
Domestic violence is a pervasive danger in California
Domestic Violence is a pervasive issue here in California and it presents many challenges for first responders and investigators who must unravel complex situations.
Defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in intimate relationships, domestic violence is not limited along racial, financial, or gender lines. It affects all people in all demographics throughout California. Addressing such issues when violence occurs requires police and other first responders’ expertise, sensitivity, and knowledge of California’s culture along with legal rules and regulations.
Victims may not feel safe reaching out for help
When experiencing abuse, victims face many challenges before being able to get help. Perpetrators of such abuse use their power to exert control financially, emotionally, sexually, and through psychological manipulation. With such tactics, victims may be afraid to contact first responders. They fear retaliation, loss of financial stability, and cultural stigma against exposing themselves and their lives so fully. This can then hinder people’s ability to get help when needed and obtain protection. Without such intervention, violence can quickly escalate even further and tragedies such as the death of this woman too often occur.
First responders work to address the challenges
To address these challenges, police and other first responders work hard to build trust with those in the community. They train in specialized fields to understand the dynamics of power and control, the pressures victims may be dealing with at the hands of their abusers, and how to work with those who have experienced trauma. Officers also work closely with social services and other local organizations that help victims of domestic violence find safety and healing.
Reach out for help
At Bio SoCal, we see first-hand the effects of domestic violence: the scenes with blood across the floor, the families torn apart, and the effects of trauma on the victims. Violence can occur anywhere such as the parking where we completed the blood cleanup. You don’t even have to be living with someone to experience domestic violence at their hands. If someone is threatening you, reach out for help.
If you are suffering at the hands of another person, there are people who are ready to help and protect you along with any children. For assistance, call the Domestic Abuse Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). It is free and confidential.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the woman who lost her life in this tragedy.
