A domestic dispute escalated into violence when one woman allegedly struck her partner multiple times with a cooking pan, leaving the victim with visible injuries to her face and head.
Deputies were called to investigate a report that a woman had been assaulted and locked out of her apartment.
When officers arrived, they found the alleged victim outside the residence.
According to the report, the woman told deputies that an argument with her girlfriend had turned physical.
Investigators say the victim reported being struck multiple times with a cooking pan during the altercation.
Deputies observed several visible injuries, including a black eye, a large knot above one eye, and blood on the victim’s shirt. Officers noted they were unable to immediately determine where the bleeding originated.
Despite her injuries, the victim declined to provide a written statement regarding the incident.
That did not stop the investigation.
In Ohio, domestic violence cases can move forward even when a victim chooses not to sign charges or provide a written statement. Officers are allowed to consider physical evidence, visible injuries, witness statements, and other factors when determining whether probable cause exists for an arrest.
The incident occurred in Chesapeake.
Deputies photographed the victim’s injuries as well as the interior of the residence as part of the investigation.
Based on the injuries observed and the information gathered at the scene, Jasmine Green was arrested on a domestic violence charge.
Deputies also discovered Green had an outstanding warrant through Coal Grove Mayor’s Court.
The victim was provided information regarding victim services before deputies cleared the scene.
Why Domestic Violence Cases Don’t Always Require a Victim to Press Charges
One of the most common misconceptions about domestic violence cases is that victims must “press charges” before an arrest can occur.
In reality, the decision to file criminal charges belongs to prosecutors and law enforcement—not the victim.
If officers observe injuries, witness evidence, property damage, admissions, or other signs that a crime occurred, an arrest can often be made regardless of whether the victim wishes to cooperate.
Law enforcement agencies say those policies exist because many victims later change their minds out of fear, financial concerns, family pressure, or emotional attachment to the person accused.
In this case, deputies reported that visible injuries alone provided significant evidence that an assault had occurred.