Family violence is a serious social problem, especially because of the ongoing impact the violence has on children. Family violence cuts across all cultural, social, economic, racial and gender divides. The question often asked victims of domestic violence is, “Why do you stay?” What should be asked is, “Why does the abuse continue?"

Last year alone, there were 686 documented cases of domestic violence in the city of Fairfield. Many of those cases involved the same parties with a history of domestic violence that was never reported to the police. An even greater number of those cases involved children who were witnesses to this violence in their own homes.

When a child is exposed to the abuse of a parent, the negative impact can be serious and long-lasting. Research has shown that children exposed to domestic violence have an increased risk of physical, mental, and emotional illness. The younger the child, the more serious the impact can be on that child.

The Fairfield Police Departments’ Family Violence Unit consists of three Detectives, one Master Social Worker, and a Police Technician with the specialized knowledge and training necessary to deal with the sensitive nature of victims exposed to domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse crimes.

The Family Violence Unit's Master Social Worker provides free advocacy to crime victims.