Are you the victim of domestic violence? This web site will help you to better understand what services and options are available to you. Take a look around - review some of the most frequently asked questions about domestic violence, police reports, bringing a case to criminal court or to family court, or both, and learn how to obtain an order of protection.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
Are you a victim of domestic violence? Do you know someone who is a victim?
The law can be confusing, especially when you are directly
involved in a domestic dispute. Most important, if you are the victim of
violence, CALL THE POLICE. In
Oswego County, dial 911 to get help in an emergency. If you live outside Oswego
County, check to see what emergency numbers you should call in case of an
emergency. When a police officer answers a domestic incident call, they will
completed a DOMESTIC INCIDENT REPORT
(click here to see a sample of a domestic incident form). It is a formatted
report form that is used to document the officer’s observations and the
accounts of the parties involved. A copy of the form will usually be given to
the victim. Be sure to read the back of the form - it provides information about
the law as well as the names, locations and telephone numbers of agencies that
can assist you (click here to see a list of local agencies and resources that
can help you).
When a person is the victim of a "family
offense", they can choose between two courts to handle the matter, or,
they can choose both courts.
Who is considered to be "family" for a family offense? It includes spouses, former spouses, parent and child, members of the same family or household (related by blood or marriage, legally married, formerly married, persons with a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together.)
What are my
rights as a
victim of a family offense????
What are the
warning signs for young
women???
Do you have a
safety
plan????
FAMILY COURT - the purpose of a family court proceeding is:
to stop the violence,
to end family disruption, and
to obtain protection.
The Family Court for Oswego County is located at the Public
Safety Center at Route 481 and Churchill Road, Oswego. Their telephone number is
(315) 349-3350. You can go to Family Court if your abuser is a family member, or
someone with whom you have a child in common. Family Court can provide you with
the forms you need to begin an action. You can request a temporary order of
protection for yourself, your children and any witnesses. Family Court may
appoint a lawyer for you if you cannot afford one. Family Court may order
temporary child support and temporary custody of your children.
CRIMINAL COURT - the purpose of a criminal court proceeding is:
to prosecute the offender which can result in a criminal conviction.
Examples of local criminal courts include the City of Fulton
Court, and Town Courts of Volney and Granby. You can also request an order
of protection from a local criminal court. The Fulton Police Department will
request an order on your behalf at the time any charges are filed with the
court. If you are not sure if an order has been requested, contact the
investigating officer or call the Fulton City Court at 593-8400.
For more information about the courts, click here.
An ORDER OF PROTECTION
can be issued from either family court or criminal court. If you are filing a
criminal charge through the Fulton Police Department, ask the police officer to
request an order of protection on your behalf. The officer will note your
request on the court paperwork, asking for an order of protection.
There are also victim assistance agencies that can help you - in Oswego County, you can call "SAF" (Services to Aid Families). SAF operates a 24 hour Abuse and Assault Hotline and can also arrange for safe house placement. You can reach them at 342-1600.
Our goal in handling domestic violence is to ensure the safety and welfare of all parties involved and to make referrals to appropriate service agencies. Fulton Police will also: