Violence Cycle

Re “Violence Breeds Violence,” Commentary, Jan. 16: Ellen Goodman’s observations reminded me of my own findings in assisting victims of domestic violence in their effort to obtain restraining orders against their abusers. (I am a volunteer with the L.A. County Bar Assn.’s Barristers Domestic Violence Project.)

Those seeking a temporary restraining order in Los Angeles County Superior Court are forced to wait for hours to get the assistance necessary to complete and file the forms. Frequently, they bring their young children, who become tired, hungry and bored. Too often, when the children become boisterous and out of control, their frustrated parents strike, pinch or shove them. The very violence that has brought the victim to court is being passed on to the child. And so the cycle continues.

Shondell Spiegel

Los Angeles