Domestic violence knows no boundaries

New Canaan (WTNH) - Domestic violence can strike in any town, in any family, in any socio-economic background.

John Farren, a former White House lawyer, is accused of trying to kill his wife. According to published reports, Farren wanted to reconcile after divorce papers were filed by his wife Mary.

"One of the things that we do know about domestic violence is that victims are more at risk of abuse at the time they are leaving the relationship," explained Sandra Koorejian, Domestic Violence Services of Greater New Haven.

According to police, Farren flew into a rage and beat his wife with a metal flashlight inside their New Canaan home. But their story is not unique; In the small town of just 19,000, police in New Canaan have responded to 228 family dispute calls in the past two years, making 58 arrests.

"Wealthy people are not immune from the problem," Koorejian said. "As a matter of fact, people who are wealthy are used to getting their own way and domestic violence is essentially a matter of power and control."

Mary Farren also told investigators it was not the first time her husband abused her.

"The way we counsel victims is that, if the offender is unwilling or unable to accept any responsibility for their behavior, then the behavior is going to continue, you can not solve the problem yourself," Koorejian explained.

If you or someone you know is being abused, please call toll free 1-888-774-2900.