Combating domestic violence: Difficulties from the first call to prosecution

FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Worst case scenario. A young Clovis mother is shot to death in her own home.

The suspect was identified by police as Tavion Tapscott.

The victim’s mother tells Action News that her daughter Breaja Jones had a relationship with Tapscott in the past and was the father of her two-year-old.

The suspect had been charged with domestic violence in April and was on probation when Jones was killed Saturday.

The Marjaree Mason Center and Clovis police said they fear this outcome, but it can be difficult to respond to domestic violence cases and keep victims safe.

From the initial call to potential prosecution and beyond, domestic violence calls can be dangerous for victims and difficult for police, advocates and advocates.

Local police and their lawyers said they often encounter victims and attackers multiple times and always fear the violence could lead to death.

“When you walk into a crime scene and see someone crying or someone being physically hurt, it’s devastating for everyone involved, but ultimately the plan is to help that person break the cycle of violence,” said Sgt. Abby Padgett , Clovis Police Department.

Sergeant Abby Padgett says even if a victim is unwilling to report, police in California have the ability to arrest the alleged attacker with the right evidence or witnesses.

Regardless of the charges, she said they will work with victims to connect them with resources, including the Marjaree Mason Center.

“We often hear that when they reach out to us, it’s not the first time law enforcement has been involved,” said Leticia Campos of the Marjaree Mason Center.

“It is not the first time that the person has been imprisoned for domestic violence. In fact, in some of these cases, you know that the person has already completed a violent offender intervention course or an anger management course because of previous incidents of domestic violence.”

Last year, the Marjaree Mason Center saw twice as many calls to its crisis center than the year before.

Even if an arrest is made and charges are filed, prosecution can be difficult.

If a survivor is willing to testify, they may be forced to relive the trauma over and over again, repeating the story in a room full of strangers.

In many cases, victims are unwilling to testify out of fear, especially if the perpetrator refuses to stay away.

“It’s very difficult to enforce the orders, the restraining orders and the criminal protection orders, and that ultimately leads to second domestic violence, and sometimes very serious,” said Tony Capozzi, legal analyst.

If the victim is alive, there will be no conviction without his testimony, said legal analyst Tony Capozzi.

The Marjaree Mason Center says domestic violence can increase after the holidays and during major sporting events like the World Series.

To prepare, they are working to ensure their crisis team shifts are covered 24/7 and that they have on-call staff should they need further assistance.

If you are a victim of domestic violence or know someone who has been, help is available 24/7. In Fresno County, call the Marjaree Mason Center at (559) 233-4357. For all other locations, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.