News:
Domestic violence can be fairly easy to escape, if you have
the right resources. However, without knowledge of these resources, escaping
can seem so out of reach that victims sometimes believe the only way to free
themselves is death. According to the article “Minnesota Court Orders for
Protection Can Interrupt Domestic Violence”, 34 victims died from intimate
partner violence in Minnesota in 2011. Providers of services and advocacy to
victims of family violence are diligently working to create easy access to a
safe escape for victims of this abuse. One of the 34 deaths includes that of
Tensia Richard. Tensia’s struggle with her abusive husband followed a similar
pattern of most abusive relationships. With plans to divorce her terrorizing
husband, Tensia’s life was cut short when he shot and killed her and then
himself in a sandwich shop in the Twin Cities suburb of Cottage Grove,
Minnesota. Police had assessed her relationship and predicted that she was in
fatal danger, however, leaving an abusive relationship is easier said than
done. The Minnesota Domestic Abuse Act helps victims get the help they need
with court ordered protection from the abuser. A hearing with notice is usually
held, but in emergency situations, a victim may be granted protection without
one. Such protection includes that the location of the victim may be kept
secret with the court from the public for his or her protection. It also covers
issues like compensation, financial support, child custody and visitation,
counseling and treatment, insurance, pet care and protection, and more.
Minnesota is working hard to spread the word of the public resources to protect
oneself from domestic violence including court ordered protection so that
victims can get out before its too late.
“Minnesota Court Orders for Protection Can Interrupt
Domestic Violence”
January 12, 2013
World News Report
Law:
Domestic Assault is generally defined as either "an act
intended to cause fear of immediate bodily harm or death" or "an
attempt or actual infliction of bodily harm upon another." Under Minnesota
law, domestic assault is a “regular” assault upon a family or household member.
This can include multiple relationships including spouses, parents, children,
or persons related by blood. However, some relationships not always recognized
are also persons who are presently residing together or who have resided
together in the past, persons who have a child in common regardless of whether
they have been married or have lived together at any time, or a man and woman
if the woman is pregnant and the man is alleged to be the father, regardless of
whether they have been married or have lived together at any time.
Domestic
Assaults are known as "enhanceable" offenses in Minnesota. This means if a person is convicted of
domestic assault, any future charges and convictions for assault or
"qualified domestic violence-related offenses" will be treated
harsher. It is considered a misdemeanor if it is a first-time offense with no qualified
domestic violence-related convictions in the past 10 years. It is considered a
gross misdemeanor if there is one prior qualified domestic violence-related
conviction in the past 10 years. It is considered a felony if there are two or
more qualified domestic violence-related convictions in the past 10 years, with
a maximum punishment of 5 years in prison or $10,000.00, or both.
Get Help:
If you are looking for shelter or would like to talk with an
advocate, please call the Minnesota Domestic Violence Crisis Line 24 hours a
day at 1-866-223-1111.
Advocates Against Domestic Abuse (AADA) was established in
1981 as private not-for-profit organization-serving victims of domestic abuse.
Some of its services include advocacy for domestic abuse victims, 24 hour phone
response, one to one and group support, safe emergency housing, and criminal
justice intervention.
The Alexandra House is located in Anoka County and provides
free services including 24-hour emergency shelter, support services and
advocacy to victims of domestic and sexual violence.
The Minnesota Coalition for Battered women provide hundreds
of phone numbers and websites of programs focused on helping victims of
domestic violence.
Media:
The Burning Bed is a book and more popular movie starring
Farrah Faucet. She plays an abused battered wife who has had enough of her husband
beating up on her. Everywhere she turns for help, there's not much anyone will
do. After he rapes her one night, she sets the bed on fire with him in it
asleep.
“Goodbye Earl” is a popular country song written and
performed by The Dixie Chicks. The song follows the adventures of best friends
Mary Anne and Wanda as they plot the death of Wanda’s abusive husband Earl,
who, after Wanda files for divorce, “walked right through that restraining
order and put her in intensive care.” Also the song has some humorous parts to
it, it shows the justice that women feel when their abuser is no longer allowed
to hurt them, whether that be in jail or by death.
