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In most prosecutions for illegally possessing a firearm, it is unnecessary for the victim to testify. The law enforcement officer who discovered and seized the firearm instead can serve as the primary witness for the government.

Also, when an abusive partner actually crosses state lines, the federal government may prosecute that partner if the partner harasses, intimidates or injures the abused partner during a crime of violence. This also applies to interstate stalking and cyberstalking as well as an interstate violation of a state restraining order. These crimes, all part of the Violence Against Women Act, do not require the use or possession of a firearm as the other crimes require.

We hope and encourage local and state officers and prosecutors to consider the federal alternative in our joint war against domestic violence. The federal arsenal is powerful. The crimes are serious and carry meaningful and lengthy sentences of incarceration. Through our combined efforts, hopefully we can prosecute those partners who use violence and terror to win arguments against their spouses or partners. And more importantly, we can deter others from resorting to force in resolving domestic disputes.

Frank D. Whitney

United States Attorney

Raleigh

Raising awareness

Thanks for your Violence Dismissed series last week. As someone who works at a health care facility, we see the results of domestic violence cases first-hand in our Emergency Department.

This problem won't see meaningful improvement until citizens demand more of their law enforcement officers, district attorneys and judges. It may mean more funding for those officials, but it also requires a change in attitudes and priorities.

Other police departments and prosecutors -- Nashville, Tenn. and San Diego, Calif. come to mind -- have changed tactics against domestic violence with positive results.

Hospitals and other corporations should help raise awareness about the root causes of domestic violence, including sponsoring educational sessions for law enforcement officers, attorneys, social workers, EMTs and public school teachers.

Our hospital has conducted public awareness campaigns in the past, and is currently producing a two-part program for airing on public television in Charlotte.

Citizens can make a difference by educating themselves about the issue, and supporting efforts like those outlined by Leslie Starsoneck, executive director of the Domestic Violence Commission.

Phil Whitesell

Director, Community Relations

Rowan Regional Medical Center

Salisbury

There's another side

Your series on domestic violence was among the most slanted The N&O has ever produced.

You never mentioned problems that have occurred in other states with the "no drop" prosecution policies you seem to favor. Mothers with young children have lost their homes and been forced onto public assistance when the man on whom they depend loses his job because a single minor scuffle, for which both parties may be equally responsible, saddles him with a criminal record.

You claimed that violence against women is now "dismissed," but simple assault on a female is already treated as seriously as assault on a male which inflicts serious injury or involves a deadly weapon. Lay "advocates" and volunteer attorneys help victims of domestic violence navigate the confusing court system, shelters promote their safety, physicians volunteer to treat physical injuries. None of these services is available to victims of other crimes.

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