'Domestic violence is public matter'

By Lee Kyung-min

Michael Feuer

Los Angeles City Attorney Michael Feuer stressed that the government needs to strengthen services for intervening in cases of domestic violence and child abuse.

Unlike a public perception here that incidents of domestic violence are a “family matter,” the issue is regarded as more of a social issue in America, he said.

“In California, the offence of domestic violence is considered a public matter not merely a private one,” he said during an interview.

Feuer is visiting Korea to participate in the 2015 International Criminal Law Conference, which started on Wednesday and will end today.

A group of Korean-American prosecutors are also attending the forum.

He said how seriously such crimes are regarded and the nature of each offense should have a major impact on the legal system.

The prosecution in the U.S. continues to pursue a case if an alleged victim withdraws charges but the prosecution believes an offence occurred.

“After holding the perpetrator accountable, it is important to try to change that behavior to prevent further victims in the future,” he said.

Such goals are reflected in sentences that they seek, including anger management classes, and counseling to change the perpetrators’ behavior in the future.

Furthermore, children involved in cases are extremely vulnerable when subject to scenes of abuse over a prolonged period of time.

“When children are witnesses to domestic violence, scientists say two things,” he said.

“Children witnessing such violence frequently are more likely to perpetrate it later on. They see violence, and they commit violence as they get older,” he said.

Also, brain development of such children overtime might be substantially affected.

“Such children are likely to fail to see their mind develop,” he said.

The parties involved in such cases make them a very important public issue, he added.

“As for perpetrators, they should be held accountable for their crimes. As for adult victims, they should feel supported and protected, as well as children who have special needs.”

Feuer also attended a seminar held at the Seoul Western District Prosecutors’ Office in Mapo, western Seoul. He had discussions regarding effective prosecution efforts when dealing with child abuse and domestic violence.

Some 28 university professors, law school professors, and prosecutors attended the session.