Op-Ed: Judicial system must do more to protect victims of stalking
Can anyone read the following op-ed and not wonder why some Ohio newspapers continue to insist on publishing the names of people who have obtained Concealed Handgun Licenses (including victims of domestic violence, etc.), and why the Ohio Newspaper Association and its members continue oppose efforts to close the Media Access Loophole in order to protect them?
March 9, 2005
Newark Advocate
By Mark and Lori Davis
Since Sept. 11, 2001, there has been an enormous focus on terrorism due to the attack on our own soil, which left Americans with a sense of fear like we have never known. Unfortunately, another form of "terrorism" that many live with daily is not from a foreign enemy, but from their own spouse.
When a very dear friend filed for divorce, her terrorist emerged. After years of struggling through an emotionally abusive relationship, she finally decided to end the relationship.
Eleven months and more than $17,000 later, our friend is still considered legally married to her terrorist. His terrorism comes in many forms: Following her, making hundreds of phone calls, breaking into her home and car, leaving "love notes" from her "imaginary boyfriend" just to let her know he's been there, and harassing babysitters, Realtors, lawyers, principals, the auto body shop, the car rental company and anyone else with a connection to her.
Can you relate to the intense fear this causes for the victim? When he drives by, is this the time he's going to stop and kill her?
Our courts require that her 6-year old-child, the suspect and the victim undergo counseling to determine when the child and this person responsible for 11 months of turmoil can visit. Would it change the psychologist's decision on visitation if the suspect decided to stalk him instead?
Are we so concerned with the perpetrator's rights that we limit the victim's rights to have a safe, happy life? Is the victim a "victim" of her own judicial system? Who would believe that in America a person has to look over her shoulder every minute of every day to see if he is there, lurking and watching. The fear is always there.
If you have the luxury of not being in such a situation, you may feel that you have nothing to worry about. But in reality, these stalkers are a threat to each of us. Imagine, sitting at your desk at work and this unstable stalker confronts his victim, your co-worker. You're fair game. Where will you hide?
Click here to read the entire op-ed in the Newark Advocate.
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