Police, DA’s Office Need to Do More to Help Abused Women
Police, DA’s Office Need to Do More to Help Abused Women
Editor,
I can’t help but feel outraged and frustrated by all the attention the domestic violence programs are receiving and how they claim “all women have to do is ask for help.”
Judging from my experience, Hollister doesn’t give a dam about abused women.
In my situation, even after obtaining a restraining order, I have provided the police with recordings of my abuser threatening to kick in my door. I’ve also provided recordings of my abuser telling me he’s following me and describing what I was wearing the day before.
In a recent incident, two neighbors provided statements to the police when they saw him walking around my home ( a gated complex) carrying a metal rod and then proceeding to vandalize two of my vehicles.
There are now, at last count, about 12 cases with the District Attorney’s Office and amazingly, he’s still driving around Hollister.
Retraining orders are only worth the piece of paper they are written on if the police or the DA’s office isn’t enforcing them.
Are they not aware how much can be done to a victim while waiting for a case to be reviewed, charged and then prosecuted?
Hollister falls extremely short in providing what is needed.
My only advocate has been Katie with Victim Witness. She has done so much for me, but even her services are limited.
Emmaus House is a great first step, but Hollister has a lot more to do before women can feel safe leaving an abusive relationship.
Melissa Garcia
Hollister
Those Who Care Must Act When They See Danger Signs
Editor,
One of the lessons in the recent death of the 31-year-old Hollister woman is to stay close to your loved ones.
Know what’s going on in their lives. And when you see a relationship bring forth words like “suicide pact,” etc. be extremely alarmed – alarmed enough so that you take action.
Unhealthy relationships come in various degrees and forms. Some, as in the above case where a life is involved, require vigorous measures that defy the risk of being called a “butt in.”
But it must be done for the sake of the loved one.
By early intervention we may be able to prevent the tragic conclusion of a sick affair.
Parents, keep a close eye on who your children are associating with and what they are doing.
Look out for your loved ones. If you see they are getting into a bizarre alliance, intervene for their own good.
Peter Frusetta,
Tres Pinos
