This is an excellent post by Maria Phelps, Advocate, I was so moved by her willingness to share with all of us, the agencies who receive grant money but do NOTHING to assist victims of domestic violence, that I've re-posted her article here. Maybe this is something Lynn Rosenthal should read!!!!!!
Forgotten Battered Women Awareness Month (this post will be updated daily)
By: Maria Phelps
After getting the below comment from one of my readers, I decided to write this post to expose more Domestic Violence Organizations during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, or, as I like to call it, a month that has little to do with awareness of domestic violence victims and more to do with sending money to foundations/organizations/agencies that fail battered women. Below is a comment that has deeply affected me since the day I opened it. For the record, I get many of these comments, emails, and letters, and they are all somewhat the same--women suffering and not getting assistance, but this one was different.
Anonymous:
Maria,I am crying as I write this because it is identical to my situation of trying to get help and being turned down by several agencies here in Minneapolis. Plus it has been a little over a year since I left him and I am not yet receiving child support and am waiting for his attorney to finish talking to the judge about the Order for Protection hearing next week. Our words have to be more powerful than their problems-all of them:the agencies, the perpetrators and the non-believers.
Minneapolis, MN
This comment touched me, and broke my heart apart.
Here is this woman, like so many victims, broken and crying out for help with no answers from the very places we are all referred to as battered women. What is she to do? She comments on my blog, crying because the situation is damn miserable, crying because there is no hope, crying as she writes because she also knows she is not alone in this struggle. Tonight I want to reach out to this woman, and I beg that she emails me the names of the organizations that have turned her away. Please email me at maria.phelps@hotmail.com as soon as you can.
"Our words have to be more powerful"--they do, and I hope mine will be.
Every week I am flooded with emails from women across the US complaining about the same problems, they have no assistance from DV organizations, DV organizations don't answer their letters/phone calls, DV organizations don't follow up with them...the list goes on. I will now go on to expose two DV institutions that have failed to follow up and/or help/assist an immigrant victim in NYC that has reached out to me. This Domestic Violence Awareness Month should be spent trying to solve these problems--why can't women get proper help? why doesn't anyone follow up with DV victims in horrible situations? why are women left to worry about child support while the abusers run free? why can't battered women have easier access to free DV divorce lawyers? why can't most battered women obtain a restraining order that lasts longer than 1 year? why do we have a family court crisis?
My List1.
Safe Horizon This is a NYC shelter. They are first on my list because they haven't even responded to me after I emailed them about 6 months ago. Needless to say, when this NYC immigrant victim reached out, left messages, sent emails, no one responded to her either. This woman was in great need of legal services and help, yet no one has contacted her. Why? A few months ago I tried calling the Safe Horizon hotline, asking for a local Queens shelter number, they refused to give me the shelter location/information--I could have been a victim in need of shelter, that could've been my last phone call, and they refused me. Why?
2. The Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence This has been my favorite state organization thus far, because they never follow up with victims. Again, this immigrant victim reached out to this state organization (I don't even know what they do, except for giving out referrals and hoping victims don't ask them complicated questions) and was courageous enough to ask for help, and didn't get any--she didn't even get a follow up phone call. No shock there, this organization hasn't helped me either, yet everyone in that office has health insurance and salaries. As a state program, they need to step it up, stop sending victims in a circle and follow up at the very least. I must remind them, domestic violence is a complex, complicated crime, and victims need a follow up and they need more than a referral. This Office claims to be involved in policy making, I'm still waiting to hear about the policies and legislation they are working on.
3. Sylvia's Place This safe house is named after a victim of domestic violence that lost her life while fleeing an abusive relationship. Although I do believe this DV agency means well, I have been contacted by victims that say they can't get their legal advocates to show up to court with them. DV victims count on legal advocacy in courts to provide support, and one of the victims I am in touch with has reported that she has given up on this service because Sylvia's Place has failed in getting her an advocate for court. We must do better than this.4. Child Protective ServicesI have heard this over and over, and I will mention it here--victims often complaining that CPS refuse to remove their children from the abusive partner's home after signs of child abuse. One victim that reached out to me this week confessed that her son, a 6 year old, has been getting beaten by her abuser husband and CPS has refused to take the child out of the abuser's home--not enough details for CPS to act on this case. This is an area I don't have any experience in, but it is clear that children are being put in dangerous situations and I believe Family Court and CPS are failing both mothers and their children in these abusive situations.
5. El Dorado County Women's Center It is now called The Center for Violence-Free Relationships in California, but I have met one victim that was turned away from this shelter during her time of need. Alexis A. Moore reports that while planning her escape and fleeing her abusive relationship, this shelter turned her away and claimed they didn't have the funds to house her. This is my list, I will be adding to it everyday. Let me remind everyone for "DV Awareness Month"--this month is about victims and if I am getting flooded with emails from DV victims from all over the US ( I'm just a blogger) there is a problem.
If you are a victim of domestic violence and have been turned away from a shelter, refused help through a domestic violence agency in your area, or have trouble with law enforcement's refusal to enforce your order of protection, please send this directly to maria.phelps@hotmail.com.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Survivors In Action Commemorates VAWA Anniversary; Advocates Strong Action to Ensure No Victim is Left Behind B
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2009
· September 13 was 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA )
· October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Survivors In Action Commemorates Anniversary;
Advocates Strong Action to Ensure No Victim is Left Behind
Sacramento, California, October 1, 2009 – Survivors In Action, a non-profit national advocacy group that supports crime victims and their families, has joined President Obama and the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
VAWA was passed on September 13, 1994, to improve the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to increase the availability of services for victims of these crimes. The OVW oversees the financial and technical assistance provided to communities nationwide to help them create programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
In a recent letter, Acting Director of the OVW Catherine Pierce stated: “Since the enactment of the VAWA, countless lives have been saved, the voices of survivors have been heard, and families have been protected. Most important, the criminal justice system’s understanding of the complex responses needed to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking has grown.”
Pierce goes on to announce “a year-long campaign to raise public awareness, to build stronger coalitions among federal, state, local and tribal communities, and to redouble our efforts to end domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking for men, women and children across the country.”
SIA agrees that significant progress has been made since the passage of VAWA and applauds the OVW’s commitment to take even stronger action to ensure that services are available to all victims, increase cooperation among agencies, and end the violence. In response to Pierce’s memo, SIA President and Founder Alexis A. Moore stated “Many victims continue to be turned away from federally and state-funded domestic violence organizations, so there is still much work to be done. SIA believes that certain changes are a prerequisite to ending the violence, saving lives, and giving victims renewed hope.”
The changes Moore is referring to are to:
1) Implement uniform protocols and procedures in every state to ensure that each federally and state-funded domestic violence victim organization operates under the same standards—ones that ensure victims are not turned away and get the help they need.
2) Have a liaison in each state that victims and their advocates can contact to voice concerns and complaints when victims do not receive the assistance they need, as well as to report positive experiences. The state liaison could be a representative of one of the many non-profit organizations or state coalitions willing to serve as a clearinghouse. Today’s technology permits many things to be accomplished quickly and effectively, making it possible for such a clearinghouse to begin operating rapidly and at minimal or even no cost.
3) Form a national oversight agency or committee, reporting to Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, to which state DV agencies and resources would be accountable and would report what is and isn’t working, and to which state liaisons could escalate grievances that cannot be resolved at the state level.
4) Organize and provide strong leadership for the many non-profits, volunteers, and other individuals working to bring about domestic violence resource reform.
Moore concluded: “We believe the appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as a White House Advisor signals recognition on at the highest levels of government that the critical problem of domestic violence needs a higher profile and more effective action. Ms. Rosenthal, along with an effective oversight committee, can provide that leadership and organization.
“SIA has offered to help Ms. Rosenthal by serving as a liaison to the White House, forming an oversight committee, and organizing the diverse resources committed to this cause. Meanwhile, in the spirit of the VAWA, we will continue to advocate and work for the changes needed to bring domestic violence resources, protocols, and procedures into the 21st century. Our goal is to prevent more victims from falling through the cracks.”
Survivors In Action (SIA) is a non-profit national advocacy group that supports victims and the families of victims of any crime. Other national organizations typically help victims at specific points in their victimization cycle—such as when they first report the crime or in writing parole opposition letters—leaving “gaps” in needed services. SIA fills the gaps, providing support through all stages of the journey from victim to survivor, with no time limitations, cut-off dates, or conditions, helping to ensure that no victim is left behind.
Contact:
Alexis A. Moore, Survivors In Action
P.O. Box 4584
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-7292
http://www.survivorsinaction.com/
###
· September 13 was 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA )
· October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Survivors In Action Commemorates Anniversary;
Advocates Strong Action to Ensure No Victim is Left Behind
Sacramento, California, October 1, 2009 – Survivors In Action, a non-profit national advocacy group that supports crime victims and their families, has joined President Obama and the Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).
VAWA was passed on September 13, 1994, to improve the criminal justice system’s response to domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and to increase the availability of services for victims of these crimes. The OVW oversees the financial and technical assistance provided to communities nationwide to help them create programs, policies, and practices to end domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
In a recent letter, Acting Director of the OVW Catherine Pierce stated: “Since the enactment of the VAWA, countless lives have been saved, the voices of survivors have been heard, and families have been protected. Most important, the criminal justice system’s understanding of the complex responses needed to address domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking has grown.”
Pierce goes on to announce “a year-long campaign to raise public awareness, to build stronger coalitions among federal, state, local and tribal communities, and to redouble our efforts to end domestic and dating violence, sexual assault and stalking for men, women and children across the country.”
SIA agrees that significant progress has been made since the passage of VAWA and applauds the OVW’s commitment to take even stronger action to ensure that services are available to all victims, increase cooperation among agencies, and end the violence. In response to Pierce’s memo, SIA President and Founder Alexis A. Moore stated “Many victims continue to be turned away from federally and state-funded domestic violence organizations, so there is still much work to be done. SIA believes that certain changes are a prerequisite to ending the violence, saving lives, and giving victims renewed hope.”
The changes Moore is referring to are to:
1) Implement uniform protocols and procedures in every state to ensure that each federally and state-funded domestic violence victim organization operates under the same standards—ones that ensure victims are not turned away and get the help they need.
2) Have a liaison in each state that victims and their advocates can contact to voice concerns and complaints when victims do not receive the assistance they need, as well as to report positive experiences. The state liaison could be a representative of one of the many non-profit organizations or state coalitions willing to serve as a clearinghouse. Today’s technology permits many things to be accomplished quickly and effectively, making it possible for such a clearinghouse to begin operating rapidly and at minimal or even no cost.
3) Form a national oversight agency or committee, reporting to Lynn Rosenthal, White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, to which state DV agencies and resources would be accountable and would report what is and isn’t working, and to which state liaisons could escalate grievances that cannot be resolved at the state level.
4) Organize and provide strong leadership for the many non-profits, volunteers, and other individuals working to bring about domestic violence resource reform.
Moore concluded: “We believe the appointment of Lynn Rosenthal as a White House Advisor signals recognition on at the highest levels of government that the critical problem of domestic violence needs a higher profile and more effective action. Ms. Rosenthal, along with an effective oversight committee, can provide that leadership and organization.
“SIA has offered to help Ms. Rosenthal by serving as a liaison to the White House, forming an oversight committee, and organizing the diverse resources committed to this cause. Meanwhile, in the spirit of the VAWA, we will continue to advocate and work for the changes needed to bring domestic violence resources, protocols, and procedures into the 21st century. Our goal is to prevent more victims from falling through the cracks.”
Survivors In Action (SIA) is a non-profit national advocacy group that supports victims and the families of victims of any crime. Other national organizations typically help victims at specific points in their victimization cycle—such as when they first report the crime or in writing parole opposition letters—leaving “gaps” in needed services. SIA fills the gaps, providing support through all stages of the journey from victim to survivor, with no time limitations, cut-off dates, or conditions, helping to ensure that no victim is left behind.
Contact:
Alexis A. Moore, Survivors In Action
P.O. Box 4584
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
(916) 941-7292
http://www.survivorsinaction.com/
###
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Announcing Project Lily
Survivors In Action and Maria Phelps are teaming up and starting Project Lily for a NYC victim of domestic violence in need of reconstructive surgery due to abuse.
Many days ago, both the victim and Maria Phelps emailed the NCADV, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, for help and assistance with the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program application to no avail. No one responded to their emails, no one reached out to the victim.
After the NCADV visited Maria Phelps site and read about this particular story, and the way they were being portrayed in her blog post, they quickly emailed Maria today and tried to make up for the misunderstanding. Which is great, we hope that their response will lead to action and to efforts to aid this victim who has been left behind. Maria posted their letter in the comments section of her last blog post for those interested in reading the NCADV response.
Having said that, Survivors in Action and Maria Phelps are taking matters into our own hands and we are raising money for this victim so that she may get the help she is in need of. This woman has survived a cruel and brutal act of violence that has left her covered in scars, scars that dig deep into her body and across her face. This brave victim is in need of dental reconstruction and cosmetic reconstruction due to domestic violence and has gone 4 years without proper help.
She contacted Maria Phelps about a month ago for help, and now we are all taking action so that she is not left behind like so many other women affected by this crime. We are cordially requesting that you please make a donation to Project Lily so that this victim can get the medical help she deserves. All donations will go directly to this NYC victim for medical procedures. Please pass around this information to your friends,family and loved one's we appreciate your donations. Survivors in Action will be setting up a Cosmetic Surgery Fund and program for victims of domestic violence that have been turned away by larger organizations or are simply in need of fast and reliable help.
Survivors in Action is a non-profit national crime victims organization founded by Alexis A. Moore, a survivor in California. SIA has over three thousand volunteers from across the world supporting their mission and helping to ensure "No victim is Left Behind". SIA offers services to victims of any crime who are in need.Posted by Maria Phelps at 11:01 PM Survivors In Action"No Victim Left Behind"
Many days ago, both the victim and Maria Phelps emailed the NCADV, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, for help and assistance with the Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program application to no avail. No one responded to their emails, no one reached out to the victim.
After the NCADV visited Maria Phelps site and read about this particular story, and the way they were being portrayed in her blog post, they quickly emailed Maria today and tried to make up for the misunderstanding. Which is great, we hope that their response will lead to action and to efforts to aid this victim who has been left behind. Maria posted their letter in the comments section of her last blog post for those interested in reading the NCADV response.
Having said that, Survivors in Action and Maria Phelps are taking matters into our own hands and we are raising money for this victim so that she may get the help she is in need of. This woman has survived a cruel and brutal act of violence that has left her covered in scars, scars that dig deep into her body and across her face. This brave victim is in need of dental reconstruction and cosmetic reconstruction due to domestic violence and has gone 4 years without proper help.
She contacted Maria Phelps about a month ago for help, and now we are all taking action so that she is not left behind like so many other women affected by this crime. We are cordially requesting that you please make a donation to Project Lily so that this victim can get the medical help she deserves. All donations will go directly to this NYC victim for medical procedures. Please pass around this information to your friends,family and loved one's we appreciate your donations. Survivors in Action will be setting up a Cosmetic Surgery Fund and program for victims of domestic violence that have been turned away by larger organizations or are simply in need of fast and reliable help.
Survivors in Action is a non-profit national crime victims organization founded by Alexis A. Moore, a survivor in California. SIA has over three thousand volunteers from across the world supporting their mission and helping to ensure "No victim is Left Behind". SIA offers services to victims of any crime who are in need.Posted by Maria Phelps at 11:01 PM Survivors In Action"No Victim Left Behind"
Monday, September 21, 2009
National Network to End Domestic Violence and The National Coalition to End Domestic Violence Aren't Helping Victims...
Monday, September 21, 2009 By Alexis A. Moore, President of Survivors In Action
More proof that the National Network to End Domestic Violence and The National Coalition to End Domestic Violence AWOL when victims need them the most
This post is courtesy of domestic violence survivor and Survivors In Action volunteer and domestic violence advocate, Maria Phelps.
More proof that the National Network to End Domestic Violence and The National Coalition to End Domestic Violence AWOL when victims need them the most
This post is courtesy of domestic violence survivor and Survivors In Action volunteer and domestic violence advocate, Maria Phelps.
Maria a fierce advocate for victims of abuse, has worked very hard advocating for victims of domestic violence in her state and throughout the world who are in need of medical services including cosmetic surgery. Maria has helped raise funds for the programs that are supposed to serve victims of abuse, however sadly Maria's efforts like so many others who raise funds for the national coalitions find that their efforts are far too often in vain and not benefiting the victims of violence who need the resources the most. This post is more than a rant it is a heart felt request and demand that domestic violence resources do more than provide victims with the proverbial "run around".
Survivors In Action with the support of survivors of abuse like Maria is leading the movement for domestic violence resource reform so that "No victim is left behind". Without DV Reform more victims will be left behind or worse they will die.
Maria Phelp's post:
About a month ago I referred a domestic violence victim to a program I believed in, The Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program. This program was started by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and supports surgeries for women scarred by abuse. This program is for survivors of domestic violence and every year many donate to this program, thinking that it's reaching victims of this brutal crime. Last October I was in contact with one of the Coalition's representatives, Holly Barret. I informed her and the Coalition about my efforts in raising money throughout my community for their program and they were delighted. We spoke on the telephone, through email, and we were constantly in touch. A few months later, I mailed the Coalition a check, a check for this program I supported and they were thrilled with my work, they even sent me a sterling pin to say thank you. Throughout the following months I sent emails to this woman and left messages, I had questions about the Coalition I needed answered, I needed their support. They never returned my phone calls or my emails. I continued, no response. They did send me something in the mail, a form to fill out for donations. I even had questions about that, about the donations, and they never got back to me. One month ago I referred a victim who has suffered through horrific acts of domestic violence to this very program, the same program I raised money for in many communities. This woman is a survivor who has serious dental problems and scarring on her face due to domestic abuse, what better candidate for this program? So, I sent an email out to my Coalition contact, the same person I sent money to, and let her know that this woman would be in touch and is in need of help. I gave the survivor the contact information and the website, thinking the Coalition would be in contact with her immediately...that is their job, to help victims. Tonight this woman has emailed me back, with graphic photos.Here is her email:"I am waiting for the form to fill it out and send it. I didn't receive any kind of response from the person that you suggested to contact, but I already requested the applications. I will include some pictures of me so that you can see some of my situation. As you can see the injuries are a lot but I will just ask for repair on my teeth and if possible my face. I feel really embarrassed to show you these pictures of me but I know you will not judge me and will understand, some people don't."I have to express my opinions here, and I hope the Coalition finds this post in the future, I am appalled at the lack of response from this large "non-profit" organization. I was insulted myself, after giving money to this organization and being ignored shortly after that, but this has completely shocked and disgusted me. To ignore a victim in need, and, at the same time, claim to assist domestic violence victims is something that doesn't make any sense to me, or the organization I am involved with (SIA). The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has disappointed me in the past, wasting time on considering changing the domestic violence awareness month, but this is shameful. I passed along a victim in need of surgery to the exact program I raised money for, all to find that the Coalition does not respond to this woman in need of dental surgery and facial reconstruction. That's two victims of violence the Coalition has ignored this year, not counting all the other women I don't know about, and that's inexcusable.
By Maria Phelps. ##
Join Maria Phelps and Survivors In Action along with thousands of others to demand domestic violence resource reform so that "No victim is left behind".
Survivors In Action with the support of survivors of abuse like Maria is leading the movement for domestic violence resource reform so that "No victim is left behind". Without DV Reform more victims will be left behind or worse they will die.
Maria Phelp's post:
About a month ago I referred a domestic violence victim to a program I believed in, The Cosmetic and Reconstructive Support Program. This program was started by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and supports surgeries for women scarred by abuse. This program is for survivors of domestic violence and every year many donate to this program, thinking that it's reaching victims of this brutal crime. Last October I was in contact with one of the Coalition's representatives, Holly Barret. I informed her and the Coalition about my efforts in raising money throughout my community for their program and they were delighted. We spoke on the telephone, through email, and we were constantly in touch. A few months later, I mailed the Coalition a check, a check for this program I supported and they were thrilled with my work, they even sent me a sterling pin to say thank you. Throughout the following months I sent emails to this woman and left messages, I had questions about the Coalition I needed answered, I needed their support. They never returned my phone calls or my emails. I continued, no response. They did send me something in the mail, a form to fill out for donations. I even had questions about that, about the donations, and they never got back to me. One month ago I referred a victim who has suffered through horrific acts of domestic violence to this very program, the same program I raised money for in many communities. This woman is a survivor who has serious dental problems and scarring on her face due to domestic abuse, what better candidate for this program? So, I sent an email out to my Coalition contact, the same person I sent money to, and let her know that this woman would be in touch and is in need of help. I gave the survivor the contact information and the website, thinking the Coalition would be in contact with her immediately...that is their job, to help victims. Tonight this woman has emailed me back, with graphic photos.Here is her email:"I am waiting for the form to fill it out and send it. I didn't receive any kind of response from the person that you suggested to contact, but I already requested the applications. I will include some pictures of me so that you can see some of my situation. As you can see the injuries are a lot but I will just ask for repair on my teeth and if possible my face. I feel really embarrassed to show you these pictures of me but I know you will not judge me and will understand, some people don't."I have to express my opinions here, and I hope the Coalition finds this post in the future, I am appalled at the lack of response from this large "non-profit" organization. I was insulted myself, after giving money to this organization and being ignored shortly after that, but this has completely shocked and disgusted me. To ignore a victim in need, and, at the same time, claim to assist domestic violence victims is something that doesn't make any sense to me, or the organization I am involved with (SIA). The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence has disappointed me in the past, wasting time on considering changing the domestic violence awareness month, but this is shameful. I passed along a victim in need of surgery to the exact program I raised money for, all to find that the Coalition does not respond to this woman in need of dental surgery and facial reconstruction. That's two victims of violence the Coalition has ignored this year, not counting all the other women I don't know about, and that's inexcusable.
By Maria Phelps. ##
Join Maria Phelps and Survivors In Action along with thousands of others to demand domestic violence resource reform so that "No victim is left behind".
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Open Letter To Vice President Joe Biden - August 26, 2009
Dear Vice President Biden:
It is my hope that you or one of your staffers reads the email that I sent to you earlier today. Its been 15 years since you've introduced and passed the VAWA Act and now is the time for you, once again, to be the leader in regards to domestic violence reform and domestic violence prevention.
Sincerely,
Myra Spearman
Gary, Indiana
Founder and President
The Weaker Vessel, Inc.
It is my hope that you or one of your staffers reads the email that I sent to you earlier today. Its been 15 years since you've introduced and passed the VAWA Act and now is the time for you, once again, to be the leader in regards to domestic violence reform and domestic violence prevention.
Sincerely,
Myra Spearman
Gary, Indiana
Founder and President
The Weaker Vessel, Inc.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Merrillville, Indiana Man Gets 15.5 Years In Hatchet Attack
This story appeared in the Northwest Indiana Times. I am happy to see this survivor get justice. Please read:
Victim's eight-hour ordeal called "night of terror"
Written By: Susan Brown - susan.brown@nwi.com, (219) 662-5325
Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:00 am
CROWN POINT Marlon Stringfellow, of Merrillville, was handed 15.5 years in prison Thursday for last year's hatchet attack on his girlfriend.
A Lake County jury in June took just one hour to convict Stringfellow, 40, on two counts of criminal confinement, battery, intimidation and sexual battery in what Merrillville police had termed "a night of terror."
Stringfellow was convicted of subjecting Anito Shelby, 48, to an eight-hour ordeal beginning the night of July 2. Shelby suffered four broken ribs, a broken leg and multiple wounds requiring 50 stitches after being hit repeatedly with an ax that Stringfellow used to lay hardwood floors.
Authorities said Stringfellow and Shelby left a residence where they had been drinking.
Stringfellow later began beating the woman in their front yard before driving her to a church parking lot where he ordered her to strip and demanded money the woman didn't have.
Stringfellow swung at Shelby with the ax while she was undressing before forcing her back into the car, according to court testimony. She escaped while the car was stopped at a red light where she spotted a gas station.
Stringfellow then hit Shelby with the car, tied her hands with a shoestring and returned with her to the Merrillville house, where he forced her to have sex.
Shelby reported waiting until Stringfellow was asleep before leaving the bed to get help.
Victim's eight-hour ordeal called "night of terror"
Written By: Susan Brown - susan.brown@nwi.com, (219) 662-5325
Posted: Friday, August 21, 2009 12:00 am
CROWN POINT Marlon Stringfellow, of Merrillville, was handed 15.5 years in prison Thursday for last year's hatchet attack on his girlfriend.
A Lake County jury in June took just one hour to convict Stringfellow, 40, on two counts of criminal confinement, battery, intimidation and sexual battery in what Merrillville police had termed "a night of terror."
Stringfellow was convicted of subjecting Anito Shelby, 48, to an eight-hour ordeal beginning the night of July 2. Shelby suffered four broken ribs, a broken leg and multiple wounds requiring 50 stitches after being hit repeatedly with an ax that Stringfellow used to lay hardwood floors.
Authorities said Stringfellow and Shelby left a residence where they had been drinking.
Stringfellow later began beating the woman in their front yard before driving her to a church parking lot where he ordered her to strip and demanded money the woman didn't have.
Stringfellow swung at Shelby with the ax while she was undressing before forcing her back into the car, according to court testimony. She escaped while the car was stopped at a red light where she spotted a gas station.
Stringfellow then hit Shelby with the car, tied her hands with a shoestring and returned with her to the Merrillville house, where he forced her to have sex.
Shelby reported waiting until Stringfellow was asleep before leaving the bed to get help.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Can We Have a Face To Face Meeting With President Obama and Vice President Biden?
Can we speak with Vice President Biden and President Obama? I mean can we actually sit down, face to face and discuss the issues that plague us as victims of domestic violence. After all, we tried to talk to Lynn Rosenthal and like many others my conversation went in one ear and out the other. She called me "A Fierce Advocate for Victims" and applauded the creation of the Domestic Violence Database and then told others that she didn't support it because she thought vicims maybe in the database. Was I that intimidating that she could not have told me that? I guess she was just paying me lip service...Speak up Lynn Rosenthal, we all know that either you or someone from your office is reading this blog quite frequently. So I'm asking you again, Can we sit down, face to face with President Obama and Vice President Biden and discuss the issues we victims face on a daily basis? If you did it for the Harvard Scholar and the Police Officer over beers, can you at least do it for us?
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