| 8/11/2009 8:58:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Law enforcers shed light on domestic violence
Audrey Gilpin - Mail Staff Writer
Local law enforcement and support agencies shed light on the dangers of domestic violence, after the death of Montrose Police Sgt. David Kinterknecht.
While responding to a domestic violence call July 25, Kinterknecht, a 10-year Montrose officer and father of two children, was killed at the scene when the suspect opened fire from a garage adjacent to the house.
Montrose Police Officers Larry Witte and Rodney Ragsdale were also shot and injured.
"Domestic violence calls are one of the deadliest," Salida Police Chief Terry Clark said.
"It's a special case because you are involved in private affairs. Officers must recognize who the true victim is and when to charge," he explained.
Since January 2008, Salida Police Officers have responded to 90 domestic violence calls while Chaffee County Sheriff's Department personnel have responded to 78.
Darla Derusha, director of Victims Assistance with the Chaffee County Sheriff's Department, has more than seven years of experience dealing with victims of domestic violence in the county.
Derusha and her co-worker, Nichole Carpenter, are on call 24-hours a day, seven-days a week, report to the scene at an officer's request, discuss a safety plan with the victim and are available for support after the incident.
Since January this year, there have been 107 victims of domestic violence in Chaffee County, including primary and secondary victims, Derusha said.
Secondary victims consist of children, friends and others who witness the violence.
"Domestic violence happens everywhere," Derusha said, "but it's not always reported."
Although Derusha deals with victims in reported cases, Mandy Trollip, director of the Alliance Against Domestic Abuse, works with victims who aren't ready to report the violence and are seeking help.
"Many people think in our small mountain town domestic violence doesn't occur," Trollip said.
Last year, she said the Alliance saw 252 victims - 59 children, 171 women and 22 men.
Trollip said children are often forgotten victims.
"Ninety percent of children are aware of what's going on in the home," she said.
Despite stereotypes, Trollip said, domestic violence occurs in all segments of society, regardless of race, economic level or education.
The Daily Press reported the Montrose incident occurred in an upscale neighborhood at a home worth more than a half a million dollars.
"Kinterknecht's death," Clark said, "brings to surface how dangerous domestic violence calls are and reminds officers to keep skills sharpened."
People experiencing domestic abuse may contact the 24-hour Alliance Against Domestic Abuse crisis line at 539-7347.
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