The assistant district attorney notifies the Crisis Intervention Team of a possible weigh-in regarding a restraining order. A lady allegedly stabbed her partner with a knife under his shoulder after an argument. According to neighbors, the couple argues regularly and their screams can be heard by the them. The man, against the advice of the ambulance personnel, stayed home and indicated that he would go to the doctor himself.
Early in the morning, the application arrives at the CIT. At 2 p.m., CIT and the auxiliary officer are on scene. We find a small two-room apartment, it looks messy and neglected (stains on the sofa and floor, there is no cover on the mattress et cetera). Sir indicates that they are both often in their own rooms and they seem to live separately from each other as a result.
With the help of a Polish interpreter, we discuss what a possible restraining order entails. Sir indicates that his partner can come back because he knows she has nowhere else to go. They both have to look for new housing because the landlord terminated the lease as of June 1. The reason is nuisance and sir agrees. He indicates that they often argue, but it is never physical. This is the first time and, as far as he is concerned, the last. He says he wants to break off the relationship, but wants to give her a chance to get her life together. For that reason, he does not want to press charges. We agree to speak to his partner first and inform him of the final decision later.
Late in the afternoon we speak to Mrs. who is staying in a cell complex. She indicates that the stabbing was an accident and would like to go home. She is willing to attend therapy and hopes her partner will cooperate. In addition, Ms. indicates that she has no one within her network where she can stay. She also has no money for a hotel. She also wants to go home because of her work. This is within walking distance of her current home and she depends on her income. We agree to still keep her informed of what is decided. In any case, she will be released today.
The house is too small, making it difficult to leave each other alone. Both prefer not to cooperate with a restraining order because of work. Both cannot stay elsewhere and do not have the financial resources for a hotel. In addition, we wonder if they will comply with the restraining order at all. And they have to move out of the apartment by June 1 anyway. This all adds up to the decision that Ms. may return to the home after all, but with various safety arrangements. It also indicates that in the event of a new report (regardless of who the trigger is), a restraining order is real.
After communicating this to both of them, Mr. and Mrs. agreed. A follow-up course is being set up. The district team will be notified regarding housing and financial concerns. The CIT then makes the transfer to Safe Home on the next working day.
