Domestic Violence 
 
Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle discusses domestic violence with
Karen Buchheit, who investigates those cases for the sherriff's department.

Domestic violence cases make up a significant part of the work load at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Over 17% of the criminal charges filed by our office are domestic violence assaults. From pushings and shovings to stabbings and shootings, violence perpetrated by one household member upon another is not just a family matter – it is a crime.

Our office is committed to doing everything possible to force perpetrators of domestic violence to change their behavior. Both scholarly studies and practical experience show that the best way to end the "Cycle of Violence" in abusive relationships is for the victim to stand up for herself and testify in court and for local law enforcement agencies to implement mandatory arrest and "no drop" policies in regard to the prosecution of these offenses.

Missouri’s "almost mandatory" arrest statute passed in 1989, plus the strengthening of domestic assault laws in Missouri in 2000, plus new developments in the law of evidence in Missouri, plus the best efforts of Cape Girardeau County prosecutors to follow a "no drop" policy, plus organizations like the Safe House for Women all combine to provide as much protection as possible to victims of domestic violence.

CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE POLICY

MISSOURI’S ALMOST MANDATORY ARREST LAW

MISSOURI DOMESTIC ASSAULT CRIMES

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE DIVERSION PROGRAM

SAFE HOUSE FOR WOMEN

ORDERS OF PROTECTION

SWINGLE COMMENTARY

EVIDENCE – PRIOR INCONSISTENT TESTIMONY

EVIDENCE – RESIDUAL HEARSAY EXCEPTION

EVIDENCE – EXCITED UTTERANCE EXCEPTION

EVIDENCE – SPOUSAL PRIVILEGE

EVIDENCE – TAKING THE FIFTH

EVIDENCE – WITNESS IMMUNITY & COMPELLED TESTIMONY