Claudine Dombrowski

Domestic Violence Continued: Contested Child Custody Through Protracted Litigation

2012-02-02T14:17:00.001-08:00

"Domestic Violence Continued: Contested Child Custody", is a 28 minute documentary produced by Dr. Sharon K. Araji, Professor and Chair, Department of Sociology at UCD. The video focuses on victims of domestic violence sharing their stories about what happened to them when they left their abusive partners and became involved in contested child custody cases. It features police and officers of the court who are knowledgeable about these types of cases, and interviews with Tanya Brown, Nicole Brown-Simpson's sister, Dr. Robert Geffner, international expert on the effects of domestic violence on children, and Lundy Bancroft, international expert on DV and contested child custody.

Colorado Documentary Participants: Denver Police Department DV Unit Officers Randy Royal and Benito Trujillo; Director, Family Tree, Scott Shields; Attorney and Advisor to Project Safeguard, Chris Radolf; and several Protective Mothers from area.

Documentary presentation held in conjunction with publication of book, "Domestic Violence, Abuse and Child Custody" (April 2009), and Protective Mother's march on nation's capital, May 9th, 18th, 19th and 20th to raise awareness of the issue that is the focus of the documentary.
Co-Sponsors: UCD Sociology, Alpha Kappa Delta International Honor Society, Women's and Gender Studies Program, and Center on Domestic Violence, School of Public Affairs Program Editing Award: UC Denver, Center for Faculty Excellence.

Program Promotional Award: UC Denver, CLAS Dean's Fund for Faculty Development

Domestic Batterers Do Not Need Help! They NEED PUNISHED!! Jailed and Kept Away from their Victims!

2012-01-31T10:21:00.000-08:00

Will this insanity ever end? Topeka decriminalizes domestic violence, Kansas City just followed suit yesterday.

I listen to the local police Scanner and am simply amazed at all the poor batterer Domestic Violence calls—Daddy refusing to give children back after visits, kidnapping when mom does it- his kids when he does it, he is just stressed, addiction etc, etc, etc..... -sigh-

Photo by Gordon Cheung:The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse

Women will never be free as long as they cannot leave an abuser a Violent Offender with her children, in fact - this is where they do the next best thing to killing her- they take her kids. With the Courts help. Stop treating this as a illness, a family thing it IS A CRIME!!!! We Do Not Need Safe Visit For Violent Offenders like 'Safe Visit' see prior post.

We do not need to treat them we need to punish them for crimes committed. Punish as you would assault cases. At least get rid of the DV clause -- or 'get out of jail free card'.

Domestic batterers find help in YWCA program

Topeka Capital Journal

Steve Halley leads small groups that provide help for domestic violence offenders through the Family Peace Initiative program, based at the Topeka YWCA, 225 SW 12th. By Phil AndersonDomestic violence is a widespread problem that often spirals out of ...

Kansas City Ends Domestic Violence Ordinance - Women on the Firing Line

Jan 27, 2012

In October, the District Attorney of Shawnee County, which encompasses Topeka, Kansas, announced that he would cease to prosecute domestic violence cases within the city of Topeka. He argued that with recent budget cuts he no longer had sufficient resources and that the city should take on the burden of these prosecutions. The city council responded by repealing their ordinance against domestic violence!

Kansas has so much crap going on at the moment, Gov. Sam Brownback pushing couples counseling and ABSTINENCE? It would be hysterically funny to even think this -- if it weren't true, that this, IS what they are doing.

I mean C'mon.... “Hey you perp… stop raping and beating your wife'. Yeah, that will sure fix it.

State's proposed domestic violence contract widely criticized

Kansas.com - ‎Jan 14, 2012‎

But the two sentences are still inappropriate in a proposed contract for domestic violence services, no matter the rationale, said state Sen. Laura Kelly, D-Topeka, ranking minority member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Public Health and ...

Fatherhood Initiatives being forced down everyone's throat, His motto: "Woman stay married period." Brownback-I-Stan? indeed.
From Reality Check: Brownback, The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing, Attacks Single Mothers...

“I’m going to force women into motherhood and marriage, Reduce Funding to SRS for mothers and Children and INCREASE Funding to SRS for Fatherhood Initiatives."

That is by the way DADDY WELFARE!!

I Expect The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse To Ride In Soon.

Topeka, KS: Safe Visit Looses United Way Funding, A Child trafficking, Batterer Friendly, Custody Switch Program. Fatherhood Initiatives Give Batterers Custody

2012-01-31T08:44:00.001-08:00

Custody Switch - Safe Visit of Topeka, Kansas - The Scam, Court Ordered Abuse for profit-

Because of the Fathers Rights Initiatives. Mommies NOT needed. Just Access Visitation Programs.

It’s about time!!!! YEAH!!!! one less, so many more to go….

Safe Visit and the many other programs that have morphed in the past two decades Odyssey, TREC, Fathers Rights Topeka and all the many many other so called metal health supposed professionals—and simple ‘social workers’ -who found easy $$- e.g. Connie Sanchez, Jenny Shaw, Kara Haney, (just to name a very few) who ‘charge $’ to SUPERVISE a Mother’s Visits with HER own Children.

I had not finished this chapter in my “Leaving The War Zone” I find it very difficult to write about the horrific human rights crimes that Kansas committed, allowed, continues… to my daughter and I, all to turn a buck. But due to the recent article about Safe Visit and Connie Sanchez in Topeka Kansas, "United Way pulls funding on Safe Visit program"

I publish below what I have written thus far and WHY all these so called –do good- human experiment-Programs [may be profitable to ‘Hitler’ type persona’s-this HUMAN Experiment, social engineering Program FAILURE] for use to follow up on article about Save Visit Loosing their Funding. And HOPEFULLY, God please… Closing by February.....(Note in the article it states ‘max 30 one hour supervised visits.’) hmmm.....

Rikki and I were SUPERVISED there for over Decade at SAFE VISIT- 15 YEARS. Incredible. Two lives completely destroyed ... the best they could come up with was a limit of 30 hours. If this had been the rule (or if it had never existed in the first place) in the many years of it's inception in 1995 and in 1996 when we were 1st Court Ordered to the 'human trafficking' and 'Take Battered Mothers Children and give to Abusers Program' aka Safe Visit.

These people need to go down, them and all ACCESS VISITATION aka Custody Switch Programs for Batterers.

Perhaps........This mother and daughter would know each other today if 30 hours was max......As is, the batterer Hal Richardson has maintained his complete control bound in chains and imprisonment of my daughter, with the assistance from Safe Visit and other 'anti mother', 'Abuser friendly' individuals and businesses….there has been absolutely no contact in several years. Which is why I began writing or attempts to "Leaving The War Zone."

Perhaps..…....another mother and her daughter will survive the 'custody switch' Programs. one down so many, many more to go.

#####

Chapter Three – Safe Visit - The Custody Switch, The Scam, The Profit$
June 15^th 2011 7:00 A.M.

Rikki with her Mother Claudine Dombrowski. Casualties of Safe Visit Program Who Assist's Batterers In Getting Child Custody, While Erasing Mother.

This case leads in a Human Rights suit filed at the Inter American Commission Human Rights on behalf of all battered Mothers and their children.

‘Dombrowski et el. v US’

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Leaving The War Zone Chapter Three: The Custody Switch

It’s Wednesday, ‘hump day’. I am sitting outside this cool morning drinking my coffee, feeling the warmth on my legs listening to the world waking up- I am reminded of a time –many years ago when Rikki and I were still safe. In W. Kansas in our in Pawnee Rock.

I would sit outside drinking my coffee in the early morning quiet. The weather cool- watering my awesome flowers that I had landscaped for several years.

Our home was beautiful. We had a small pool 12 ft for Rikki her friends and I. These were warm memory days. Days when I knew where my daughter was, days when hope floated with each beating of her heart. I would love to watch her sleep- she sleeps like I do- rough. She snores- like I do- an inherited maternal trait from my own dear mother.

Allergies tend to hit us with a storm, but we never let them effect the beauty and joy of each precious day we had. At this time in the late 90’s we had only 3 weeks together before the week long hell visits would begin for her.

The courts start in the custody switch. A game that is now known to many mothers- “The Custody Switch” mine came on snail mail by the Judge with out motion from either party, without hearing, the judge simple on his own issued his own 9 page order on July 31, 2000 that Rikki would be living with her father. And that if I foreclosed on our beautiful home and quit my well paying state job (dad never paid child support - I never needed it - I had been working for the state of Kansas as a psychiatric nurse for almost 13 years ) I was to quit my job, severe all contact with my home, Rikkis home, and relocate to Topeka Kansas (the courts knowing that do to my physical injuries inflicted by daddy dearest that I would not be able to work in Topeka—Larned state hospital had made concessions for my physical disabilities- and Topeka state hospital had closed in 1996- when I moved to Pawnee Rock). That I MIGHT Be able To See My Daughter. If I did all the Above-- I did-- they did not.

That day, July 31, 2000 will always mark the day-:the music died’.- we had after 6 years of heavy litigation and after I had spent in upwards of over 1 million dollars—my child was gone. I was forced into unemployment, homelessness, and no health care—all for “the best interest of the child’. Makes no sense does it? Daddy promptly tried to get me back into the house by forcing me to have sex to even see Rikki—I did. Who wouldn't.

By December of that same year 2000, the last time I saw Rikki with out armed guard—daddy had beaten Rikki so badly, I could not allow her suffering anymore -- I confronted him—only to find that once again as a good ‘co-parenting’ (as quoted by Harry Moore Case manger—‘it’s called co-parenting deal with it”) I had the hell beat out of me again. (this is co-parenting).

I then found myself brutally raped that same beating Dec 16^th, 2000 just two days after Rikki had been beaten, (she fell up the hill btw) her face swollen and tears in her eyes. God, Rikki I am so sorry, I am so sorry. I tried to protect her, I did the unthinkable. I reported it.

As all protective mothers are - I was swiftly denied any contact with my dear sweet Rikki for the next two years. Then when I was placed into supervised visits “SAFE VISIT” of TOPEKA- armed guard in a church of all places—hence began the next decade of our lives.

When I was able to see her it was through safe visits only. The cost was excruciating, the time was only an hour—we could not hug we could not talk about anything past dull, how’s school etc. And never never about why we were even there, why mom and daughter could not even see each other in the park, outside or at home, or go anywhere.

We remained confined to a 10’ x 10’ room with 1 monitor, 1 supervisor, 1 armed Shawnee county sheriff guard – all within arm distance - the monitor wrote down everything we said - everything we did. They even would stop us when we would talk to fast, so they could catch up.

I am sorry Rikki. (of course- I am not to have access to these reports) I do have some reports that they sent to the court or to the guardian ad litem. Not all mind you but some. See here: SAFE VISIT REPORTS & MEMOS

I am brought back to present day, the sun warm on my legs. The cool morning air of a Kansas summer. A life time ago. I have no contact with Rikki. Its been more that a year and a half since I last talked to or saw her. I have always been able to follow her cyber prints. But they ceased a month ago. No one knows where she is—dad will not report her missing. He is dad after all—still with his child’s coffin and hunting rifle on the wall.

No one sees a problem with this.
Where are you baby? I pray you are safe, I pray you are alive.

There have been no unidentified bodies in the 100 mile radius fitting her description. ‘whew’.
Since I am a nobody the police will not help inform me of her whereabouts—after all dad a snitch for the police has just helped to ‘bag’ a 60 person felony drug bust—so they are really protecting him. –as usual.

[Leaving The war Zone – A Battered Mother’s Memoirs For Her Daughter] Claudine Dombrowski

I Too Have A Dream. That All Battered Mothers and Their Children Can One day Be Free.

2012-01-16T06:17:00.001-08:00

Every MLK Day, I always think of this snippet of Dr. Martin Luther King. Freedom, humanity, hope, the great struggle and ultimate revolution and victory. Wow what a wonderful concept.

“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

All over the Nation Battered Mothers and Their Children remain enslaved. We ARE NOT FREE. We have never have been free. We are being murdered, our children murdered at pandemic proportions. We remain tortured if we survive.

MLK didn't stand up for the Black woman and her children, he stood up for the black man. However, great was the cause.
Gandhi (and I am a great fan of his quotes) the same. They stood up for the India ‘Man’, not India’s women and children. However, great was the cause.

Women and children all over the world remain ‘owned’ remain enslaved by patriarchy, father rule sometimes known as fathers rights. Just ask any battered mother. When they thought they had the ‘human right’ to protect herself and her children from violence, well, they do not. And, her children like has been for over four thousand years - are taken from her with the blessings of whatever authority that be in place, and given to the abuser, the father, the slave master.

He who has the right to beat, abuse, maim and kill. (e.g. Topeka Decriminalizing Domestic Violence) This STILL Remains. In Fact as a result, Violent Crime has escalated out of control, not only to just women and children, but to the entire community, because you see when we as a society allow our families to be killed and tortured, we allow it to happen to our communities. Everything starts at home folks.

Did you know that the Leading Cause of Death to Mothers is Father Violence?

On this day, I ask each one of you to look around you, the world quite simply would cease to exist with out ‘mother’. Mother is honorable, Mother is the soul of humanity. Mother gives freely, there is no need to continue to oppress her.

“ I Too Have a Dream…… That All Mothers And Their Children Can One Day Be Free”

Full Text of speech here.
I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today.
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

Live Stream: The Ninth Annual ‘Battered Mothers Custody Conference’ Begins Tonight Jan 6, 7 & 8th, Albany, NY

2012-01-06T07:46:00.001-08:00

Battered Women, Abused Children, and Child Custody: "A National Crisis"

The Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference:

BMCC IX, January 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2012

Friday evening through Sunday

###

You can watch the Conference live stream beginning tonight at 7 PM EST here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-ninth-battered-mothers-custody-conference Updated Conference Schedule P resenters

There is a crisis in our nation's family courts. Judges are awarding child custody to abusers and pedophiles and punishing the safe parent who tries to protect the children from harm. All Over America Battered Women Are Loosing Custody of Their Children To The Batterers When They Try To Leave To Protect Their Self And Their Children From Further Abuse. The Family Courts Are Routinely Giving Child Custody To Batterers And Pedophiles And Completely Separating The Mother From Her Child(ren).

About The Conference: Battered Mothers Custody Conference The Conference includes presentations, round-table discussions, and question & answer sessions with nationally distinguished professionals whose work is ...

Battered Mothers Custody Conference Interviews

[IMPORTANT: The following audiovisual piece includes real-life interviews featuring disturbing verbal content and statements on child abuse and domestic violence. Viewer discretion is advised.] Prof. Garland Waller produced "Small Justice: Little Justice in America's Family Courts" which is an independent documentary that explores the relationship between domestic violence, child sexual abuse and custody laws in America. To learn more about the stories of the women seen in this 10 minute clip, please go to http://batteredmotherscustodyconferen...Jessie Beers Altman, a graduate student in the College of Communication, was in charge of editing this video.For more information of Boston University's Department of Film and Television at the College of Communication, visit: http://www.bu.edu/com/ft

Now Available: Domestic Violence, Abuse, and Child Custody: Legal Strategies and Policy Issues Edited by Mo Therese Hannah, Ph.D. and Barry Goldstein, J.D.

Susan Murphy Milano Zeus Radio:

Protective Mothers and Custody Guests Barry Goldstein and Dr. Mo Hannah 1-5-2012

Both guests are battered women and custody experts and advocates, and they are the editors of the book “Domestic Violence, Abuse and Child Custody”, an in-depth look at domestic violence, child custody, abusers, and our court system. Their research will be presented at the Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference in Albany, NY (January 2012). Barry Goldstein is an attorney, teacher, author and advocate for women abused by their partner (and too often the courts). Dr. Mo Hannah is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Siena College and has focused her interest in abusive dynamics and their impact on interpersonal relationships and in forensic psychology. (Read More)

Mothers File International Petition To Inter American Commission On Human Rights

Full Text of IACHR Petition. On May 11, just before Mother’s Day weekend, ten mothers, one victimized child, now an adult, and twelve leading national organizations filed a complaint against the United States with the Inter American Commission on Human Rights. Their petition claims that U.S. courts, by frequently awarding child custody to abusers and child molesters, has failed to protect the life, liberties, security and other human rights of abused mothers and their children. More http://www.stopfamilyviolence.org/info/custody-abuse/legal-documents/petition-to-inter-american-commission-on-human-rights

NATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES ON THE CRISIS IN FAMILY COURTS

Click the image or the link for the Entire Documentaries

Family Court Crisis; Our Children at Risk

2008 Family Law Documentary

by the Center For Judicial Excellence

PBS: Breaking The Silence; Children's Stories

by Tatge/Lasseur Productions and Connecticut Public Television

Faces of the Family Court Crisis

by James Hall Photography

Domestic Violence Continued in Contested Child Custody

"Auld Lang Syne" Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ?

2011-12-31T21:17:00.001-08:00

Mothers Are Vanishing – humanity is at a critical threshold, teetering on the balance of survival or destruction. We - alone or together can and will be the answer. as we bring in the new year. Know that this may be the beginning—or the end.

May your heart be full of love – your conscious clear. Let ‘truth, self respect and dignity’ be your guide and "Auld Lang Syne"

Happy New Year!

xoxo

Claudine Dombrowski (mother of Rikki Dombrowski)

A Battered Mother Survives

####

Below you will find the lyrics for this traditional favorite in the English Translation (minimalist). I included a few interesting facts concerning this wonderful old song. I hope knowing the words to "Auld Lang Syne" in advance of the festivities, will help you to enjoy your New Year celebration even more.

- "Auld Lang Syne" is a Scots poem written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song." It's often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year, generally at the stroke of midnight.
- "Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929. The song became his trademark."

"Same Auld Lang Syne"

As another year comes to a close, we are reminded of the many major events that have taken place in the world and in our lives; wars and fighting, new territories conquered, great heroes and heroines that we have lost, new friends we have made, babies that have born into our families- our children stolen by pedophiles and abusers, Friends and relatives that have passed on through this world and into their eternal destiny. (Betty Gail sales –Stumpf)

There have been good times and not so good times, but those are the building blocks that construct and build the multi-levels and form the layers of our lives. Memories created and forever etched in our minds, hearts thoughts and lives; this is the stuff that life is made up of, so we take the good and the bad and make the best of it, choosing to highlight the good and joyful times.

The new year is rapidly approaching and as such, we plan our traditional New year's Eve parties. Bringing in the new year with good food, music, prayer, hugging and kissing; grateful and thankful to be in good company during this special time as we usher in a fresh new year full of possibilities and potential.

Countdown to the new year begins at 10 seconds before midnight, then as the clock strikes 12:00, it's time to share your rendition of the classic traditional song, "Auld Lang Syne".

The only problem that can exist now is the possibility that you might not know or remember all the lyrics or words to the song, since it's not a tune that is sung on a regular basis throughout the year. The lyrics (words) to this traditional classic are as follows:

"Auld Lang Syne" English Translation (minimalist)

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and never brought to mind ?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,

and old lang syne ?

CHORUS:

For auld lang syne, my dear,

for auld lang syne,

we'll take a cup of kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !

and surely I’ll buy mine !

And we'll take a cup o’ kindness yet,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have run about the slopes,

and picked the daisies fine ;

But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We two have paddled in the stream,

from morning sun till dine† ;

But seas between us broad have roared

since auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand my trusty friend !

And give us a hand o’ thine !

And we’ll take a right good-will draught,

for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

Repeat

From Tragedy To Action: The National Release of "Jana’s Story". Jana Mackey Kansas University Student & NOW Lobbyist Who Was Brutally Murdered In An Act of Domestic Violence....

2011-12-06T17:17:00.001-08:00

The video "Jana's Story" is now available. Please see the link below. http://www.JanasStory.org/

This powerful video is about the dramatic impact of domestic violence. Most importantly, however, this short film is about hope, inspiration, and encouragement for others to take action. Today, Jana's light shines brighter than ever. VIEW IT. SHARE IT. and LIVE IT by taking action and making a difference.

National Release of "Jana’s Story" Video Set For December 6th

On December 6, 2011, Jana's Campaign will release its long anticipated video "Jana’s Story". This powerful video brings to light the dramatic impact of domestic violence. The story of Jana’s life and death are illustrated in the hopes of encouraging others to take action. See the video at www.JanasStory.org. VIEW IT. Witness the powerful story of Jana’s life. SHARE IT. Help us tell Jana’s story and spread the word. LIVE IT. Take action and make a difference.

The timing of this video release has been scheduled to coincide with The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence. This campaign begins on November 25, the International Day Against Violence Against Women, and ends on December 10, International Human Rights Day.

These dates symbolically link violence against women and human rights, and emphasize that such violence is a human rights violation. Since 1991, this annual campaign has mobilized more than 3,700 organizations in 164 countries to raise awareness about the multiple forms of violence women face. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is hosted and sponsored by the Center for Women's Global Leadership at Rutgers University.

Jana’s Campaign would like to thank all those who have made this video production possible.

Topeka Legal System Fails Abused Women - Due to Budget Cuts

2011-10-28T05:19:00.000-07:00

An article that was shared with me last night. "the city has pledged to help him seek additional funding." This has NOT happened. In fact the District Attorney is being forced to now lay off 17% of his staff due to inadequate funding. So does anyone really think that those lil ol misdemeanor domestic violence cases will ever find there way to court?- That is until after she is dead and it becomes a murder or 'typically' accidental drowning in dry bathtub or she ran off with another guy, or she killed herself.

WOMEN!!!! Do an Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit NOW!! It may save you live and if you are killed it will at least help Prevent the killer from 'getting away with it' as I know he said he would.

This is a good article, even when the system was 'working'- it wasn't. The truth is, Victims rarely if ever find justice in the system, I know this first hand. Even as severe as my case for years was, even though I barely survived. The Batterer still walks the streets of Topeka, I live under the ACP, Safe at Home Program.

Sign the Petition it goes straight to their emails. Topeka, KS: Domestic Violence Prosecutions Need Funded Now!! The Shawnee County Commission needs to make the ‘Safety’ of Domestic Violence Victims a ‘priority ‘and get adequate funding in place for the prosecution of Domestic Violence case's and seek Justice for Victims.

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Legal System Fails Abused Women

Victims of domestic violence rarely find justice in the courts

alternative methods should be pursued

October 20, 2011|By Leigh Goodmark

After learning that Topeka, Kan., District Attorney Chad Taylor planned to stop prosecuting misdemeanor domestic violence cases in response to county budget cuts, the Topeka City Council this month repealed its misdemeanor domestic violence statute — effectively decriminalizing some domestic violence offenses in Topeka. Abuse survivor Claudine Dombrowski responded to the city's action by hurling a pair of dice at the City Council, arguing that they were rolling the dice with women's lives.

Relying on the criminal justice system to keep women safe from domestic violence may, however, be an even bigger gamble.

The decision to decriminalize domestic violence in response to budgetary shortfalls sends a horrible message to women subjected to abuse — that the state is not particularly concerned about their safety or the punishment of their abusers. It is hardly surprising that women like Ms. Dombrowski are outraged at the state's seeming callousness toward their plight. In response to the public outcry, Mr. Taylor has since announced that he will resume prosecution; the city has pledged to help him seek additional funding. But this incident provides us with an opportunity to think about how well the legal response to domestic violence is achieving its goals of keeping women safe and holding men who abuse accountable for their actions.

Despite the dedication of millions of federal dollars to police, prosecutors and judges since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act in 1994, rates of domestic violence in the United States have not appreciably declined, instead keeping pace with decreases in the crime rate generally. Studies suggest that relatively few women report domestic violence to police; that most of those arrested for domestic violence are not convicted; and that when abusers are convicted, jail time is rare and minimal.

Sociologist Evan Stark author of Coercive Control has argued that the odds of serving jail time for domestic violence are only slightly better than the odds of winning the lottery.

There is no proof that prosecution deters abusers. The story of Dixie Shanahan illustrates the failure of the criminal justice system to deter abusive behavior. Residents of Defiance, Iowa, were aware that Scott Shanahan regularly and brutally abused his wife. Mr. Shanahan was convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence after punching Ms. Shanahan, and he served two days in jail. Undeterred, three months later, Mr. Shanahan was convicted of another assault and served four days in jail. After his release, Scott Shanahan redoubled his abuse — so much so, that when he was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence, Dixie Shanahan fled rather than testify against him. His abuse did not end until Dixie Shanahan fatally shot her husband to prevent him from killing her and their unborn child. She is serving a sentence of 10 years to life in prison.

The criminal justice system undoubtedly meets the needs of some women; successful prosecutions do happen. Some abusers are sent to jail, and some stop their abuse, particularly when they are closely monitored following their release. But for women, the costs of engagement with the criminal justice system can be high: exposure to increased danger at the hands of abusers and, more problematic, the potential for violence from the state. Women who express reluctance to testify against their abusers are sometimes threatened with arrest if they fail to participate in prosecution; some are even told that the state will remove their children if they fail to appear for trial. Some women of color are understandably reluctant to increase the reach of the criminal justice system into their families and communities. Undocumented immigrant women who reach out to the criminal justice system for assistance have sometimes found themselves targeted for deportation instead.

Criminal justice system reform could solve some of these problems. But the time has come to broaden our thinking about how best to address domestic violence. For too long, the legal system has been the default response to domestic violence in the United States. Such a narrowly crafted response denies justice to women who are unable or unwilling to engage that system. Criminal prosecution cannot heal the injuries that some women experience. A small but growing voice is coalescing around the idea that criminal justice intervention is not the best way to prevent and respond to domestic violence.

Shawnee County Commissioners: Shelley Buhler, Ted Ensley, Mary Thomas- Refuse to fund Domestic Violence Cases but prioritize golf course irrigation and personal profitable interests. A Special Interest Group-only.

2011-10-27T19:28:00.001-07:00

Who is overseeing you? The Shawnee County Commissioners - Shelly? Ted? and Mary?

We need an audit into these 3 people who control all the funding in Topeka,Shawnee County, KS. Imagine, three people who have the qualifications of a high school graduate, controlling all the money in the county without any oversight without any accountability but with plenty of personal vested interest with the ‘departments’ they fund—or defund. e.g Golf course irrigation contract approved

But when these three Gestapo ‘puppet’ Nazi’s do not get their way when they bully and screw the local tax payer, the citizens of Topeka and Shawnee county, what they do?
“Well they whine and cry of course.” Check out today's latest whine. Commissioners turn to AG, citing 'no faith' in DA inquiry

Shawnee County Commissioners Contact information:

commission@snco.us
Shelly.Buhler@sn.co.us and buhlerfam87@yahoo.com
Ted.Ensley@sn.co.us

Mary.Thomas@sn.co.us

Shelly Buhler(S.Buhler@snco.us), Chair
District 1

Shelley Buhler aka ‘Michelle Buhler” Shelly Buhler | Facebook

Michele A Buhler
(785) 584-6617
503 W Maple Ct
Rossville, KS 66533-9783
Age:
45-49
Associated:
Husband, Stephen R Buhler and Son, Mitchell Buhler

Mary M. Thomas(M.Thomas@snco.us)
District 2

Mary Thomas--- best friend to Vic Millers ex wife-(give’s new meaning to ‘keeping it in the family)

Mary M Thomas
3511 SE Tomahawk Ct
Topeka, KS 66605-3133
Age: 50-54
Associated: Larry J Thomas, Dana Thomas

Ted Ensley(T.Ensley@snco.us), Vice Chair
District 3

Ted Ensely aka ‘Theodore D. Ensley’ better known for his ‘county funded’ Ensley Gardens

Ted D Ensley (Democrat)
(785) 478-2030
2500 SW Rother Rd
Topeka, KS 66614-4746
Age: 65+
Associated: Elna N Ensley
Theodore D Ensley
E******D@___.NET

Now, I ask, how in the hell can these three people wield so much power with out any transparency, accountability or oversight?

Final Budget for 2012 County budget line items indicated:
27 budgets were cut,
18 were increased and
9 were unchanged.

I will find which is what. (If I can, the very last thing I wanted was to delve into local politics) We all already know that the Criminal, Justice, District Attorney and even the county Morgue were ‘cut’.
We have been able to ascertain that the golf course, the parks and recreation, the Ensley gardens, Public library, Expo Center were not, and some in fact increased.
We, just want you to know, Shelly, Ted and Mary, that we are calling you out. We demand that you and your commission be investigated. We are tired of your lack of prioritizing when it comes to public safety and we will not tolerate it any more.
The Community, the Victims and the Survivors are behind only one person in all this mess. Chad Taylor, the District attorney. The Topeka City Council sold us out when they ‘decriminalized domestic violence’, the Commissioners started the sell out with cuts to DA – only to have Vic Miller resign same day to take a judge position with the city. Now the Commission continues to throw tantrums?
Their is much more going on with the City Interim Manager, City Council and the Shawnee County Commission, and it stinks.

Topeka, No money for Domestic Violence but millions for Golf Course’s

2011-10-26T16:43:00.001-07:00

The District Attorney only needed a pitiless 350K (that was cut) to be able to continue to ‘on a shoe string’ to prosecute Domestic Violence cases. So now these are the real priorities, now that the national media is dying down. It’s back on to the good ole boys business as usual and ‘how we can help ourselves, our personal agenda- now that we got rid of those annoying Domestic Violence Victims/Survivors and Advocates.. …..”

It’s Business as Usual in The Land of OZ- Where the wizard failed to give out any hearts, brains or courage to the City government.

Topeka City Counsel Members have approved a one million dollar heath care for its City employee’s this week. (just among some other non ‘public safety’ spending spree.)

But they can NOT afford to prosecute Domestic Violence cases? WTF? They ‘decriminalize domestic violence’ to save money for non ‘public safety’ issues. I mean Crime is at an all time high in Topeka, Ks. I Guess Topeka Citizens safety is JUST NOT important. The Topeka County Commissioners (the ones who Cut the District Attorney’s Budget to prosecute Domestic Violence Case’s) is to approve a golf course irrigation system with total debt service estimated at nearly $1.4 million.

But no one thinks that 350K for Domestic violence prosecutions is important. At least not in Topeka, KS. What’s that matter with Topeka? There is not enough public outrage-

The Commissioners Cut Funding for DV Prosecutions
The City ‘Decriminalizes Domestic Violence’-(so they do not have to pay for it)

TOPEKA, KANSAS pure and simple does not give a shit about Victims of Domestic Violence. It is business as usual--- yes, profit business in Topeka. The only city in the Nation to Decriminalize Domestic Violence, and cut funding for Domestic Violence Prosecutions.

I say ladies, grab your guns and girdles- it’s time to take care of yourself and your children, and do an “Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit'” so when you are murdered at least he wont ‘get away with it’ as they say they will and usually do. This is just one of many from Domestic Violence expert and author Susan Murphy Milano’s

The book "Time's Up A Guide on How To Survive and Abusive and Stalking Relationship" is the prescription that every person must obtain before they announce they are leaving. Below is an example from Chapter 4, one of many unique tools provided in the book. It is available onAmazon.com, or you can purchase via e-book or on a CD. If you have questions, the email address is: timesupforjustice@gmail.com

Chapter 4 featuring the Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit contains information that is critical to help victims’ in documenting their experiences and creating a record to insure that instances of abuse are memorialized should they be needed for future use in the
legal system.

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.

Denise Everhart and Claudine Dombrowski Discuss Topeka’s decriminalizing domestic violence

2011-10-22T07:01:00.001-07:00

Be Sure to tell your activist network, friends and family to tune to 90.1fm at 3 pm CDT Saturday or listen to live stream at www.kkfi.org

Join us as Denise Everhart and Claudine Dombrowski discuss the impact on Domestic Violence in Topeka, KS. The Cities Repeal of the Domestic Violence Ban from the city ordinances, the Budget Cuts and what needs to be done at this point to ensure the safety and protection of Victims of Intimate partner homicide in Topeka, Kansas.Council

Denise Everhart,
Topeka City Council

Denise Everhart Topeka City Council woman who voted against the Cities repeal of Domestic Violence within the city limits which was passed October 11, 2011 in a 7-3 vote. Since the DA stopped prosecuting misdemeanor cases on Sept.8 2011 placing them back on the city court, there have been no charges or prosecutions of Domestic Violence crimes as the City Court simply chose to not prosecute believing the DA was the place for these charges to be filed.

Since the Cities repeal of Domestic Violence and the ‘decriminalization’ of it within the city limits, the DA has had to take these case back, however again do to budget cuts and now a 17% lay off at the DA’s office Domestic Violence crimes still will not be prosecuted but ‘reviewed’ by State law, as higher crimes such as felonies will take precedence over misdemeanors.

Claudine Dombrowski could very well be considered a “Wounded Warrior” in the fight against intimate partner violence. Fighting her personal battle against her abuser for over 16 years, she’s also taken her fight across the nation helping several other battered mothers who have lost custody of their beloved children to the very person who abused them.

Claudine Dombrowski, Domestic Violence Expert Victims Rights Advocate

In a recent development in her own backyard in Shawnee County, KS, District Attorney Chad Taylor decided to hand over misdemeanor cases, like Claudine Dombrowski’s, to the city, due to funding issues. Dombrowski knew the ones to pay the price for this decision would be those caught in the crosshairs of the abuser’s rage when released, and has taken her outrage to the media.( http://imaginepublicity.com/2011/09/15/the-lights-went-out-in-topeka-for-victims-of-domestic-violence-claudine-dombrowski-speaks-out/)

Through organizing globally, Claudine Dombrowski, and other battered mothers, have founded American Mothers Political Party to bring attention and educate others. Through combining their online efforts across the globe, they are able to link together, not always physically, but by forming groups through the wonders of technology and carrying their message far and wide others. Through combining their online efforts across the globe, they are able to link together, not always physically, but by forming groups through the wonders of technology and carrying their message far and wide

Shawnee County Commissioners: Adequately Fund for Prosecution of Domestic Violence Case's in Topeka, KS

2011-10-21T22:10:00.001-07:00

Sign Petition here:

http://www.change.org/petitions/shawnee-county-commissioners-adequately-fund-for-prosecution-of-domestic-violence-cases-in-topeka-ks

Why this is Important

Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas: Domestic Violence Victims Need Justice Now!

The Shawnee County Commission needs to make the ‘Safety’ of Domestic Violence Victims a ‘priority'and get adequate funding in place for the prosecution of Domestic Violence case's and seek Justice for Victims.

1. Shawnee County Commissioners Cut the District Attorney’s office funding by 10%. (After there was a request for an increase due to the high crime rate).
2. Shawnee County District Attorney as a result of the Budget Cuts was forced to place all Misdemeanors including Domestic Violence charges on the City of Topeka Court.
3. The City of Topeka, did not want to pay to do 'Domestic Violence' cases (Although quite capable)
4. The Topeka City Council, City Manager and Mayor then caused a national outrage by 'Decriminalizing Domestic Violence' and repealing the ban on Domestic Violence within the city limits so that they would not be jurisdiction. http://bit.ly/rgk8TL
5. Thereby forcing the Shawnee County District Attorney to 'review' the Domestic Violence Cases, as a State law.
6. Since the City of Topeka, 'Decriminalized' Domestic Violence, the Shawnee County District Attorney of course is now forced to review these cases. (Although the DA's Office does not have sufficient funding and in fact suffered a 10% budget cut)
7. The Shawnee County Commissioner's still have not provided adequate funding for District Attorney.
8. District Attorney is now forced to lay off 17% of his staff effective December 23, 2011. http://bit.ly/ogHoer

The BOTTOM LINE:

The District Attorney's Office is underfunded, under staffed (unlike the City of Topeka) and still only the most severe crimes will ever make it to trial with most pleading out to avoid cost of trial.

Domestic Violence Cases - will remain completely without consequence to batterers. At best they will be plead out to 1.) disorderly conduct or 2.) destruction of personal property. To get them out of the system quickly so that what remaining resources can be used for higher level crimes of felony.

The City of Topeka has ‘repealed’ the ban on Domestic Violence so victims no longer have the City of Topeka Court as an option to fall back on.

Currently, Domestic Violence Victims now have a better chance of winning the lottery, than having the crimes committed against them ever be prosecuted and Justice still remains denied.

We strongly urge the Shawnee County Commissioners: Shelly Buhler, Ted Ensley and Mary M. Thomas to make ‘Safety’ a priority and act swiftly to provide adequate funding for all crimes, especially the crime of Domestic Violence in Topeka, KS. read more here: http://www.change.org/petitions/shawnee-county-commissioners-adequately-fund-for-prosecution-of-domestic-violence-cases-in-topeka-ks

Denise Everhart, Richard Harmon - True ‘elected’ Public Servants Support Victims of Domestic Violence at Rally, Topeka, KS

2011-10-21T15:25:00.001-07:00

Denise Everhart (left) and Richard Harmon (right) two of the three that voted against ‘decriminalizing’ Domestic Violence were also at Topeka, KS YWCA March Against Violence October 21, 2011. More Photos here.

It was so nice to see these Topeka City Council officials at the rally today. (Especially after ‘Manspeaker’s fail’).

These two (actually 3) have taken a lot of ‘heat’ from the other 7 members of the City Council that voted to repeal DV as a crime within the city limits. I was so glad they showed up. So were they, they needed the support as well knowing that they din in fact stand up for the ‘right’ thing and voted ‘no’.

They greeted every one, advocates, survivors and victims, all thanked them for their ‘stand’ against Domestic Violence. They marched with us from the State Capitol down Topeka Blvd with Topeka Police motorcycle (Harley’s even :-D ) escort. When we arrived at the YWCA, they immediately donned gloves and aprons and began ‘serving the public’- hot dogs. The event had about a 150 turn out. Not including the awesome Topeka High Drumline. (video below)

While I was talking with Ms. Everhart, she informed me that the city council is still getting tons of email (YEAH-KEEP IT UP). That several organizations, groups have boycotted Topeka until they reinstate the ‘bam on Domestic Violence’. I asked Denise how we could help, she stated that we really need to put pressure on the Shawnee County Commissioners. Plain and simple the DA’s office needs that funding to prosecute crimes especially low level DV crimes.

So we are still no better off than we were before, the city ‘decriminalized domestic violence’—the city has no responsibility –obviously now. But that does not fix the problem. Bottom line, the Commission cut funding to the DA which in turn forced DA to give City all misdemeanor charges including DV. The City decriminalized it-so they would have to prosecute- and now we are back at the DA needing funding. Who holds the key? The Shawnee County Commission.

Thank you to all who turned out today to support Topeka, KS Victims of Domestic Violence! A Big thanks to my hero’s Denise Everhart and Richard Harmon, you are hero’s to every DV Victim/Survivor Nationally—Internationally! We support you for as you GOOD PUBLIC SERVANTS! You have the World Supporting you and your Stand Against Domestic Violence. Thank you.

You can thank them personally as well below for taking a stand against Domestic Violence.

District 4
Denise Everhart (Voted Against Repeal)
785-267-4098 District 9
Richard Harmon (Voted Against Repeal)
785-271-6962 District 5
Larry Wolgast (Voted Against Repeal)
785-272-6896

Those who ‘decriminalized domestic violence’ can be reached below.

Mayor
Bill Bunten
785-368-3895 District 2
John Alcala
785-233-7110
District 6
Chad Manspeaker
785-220-9493 District 8
Andrew Gray
785-806-0068
District 3
Sylvia Ortiz
785-357-0717 District 7
Bob Archer
785-817-8157
District 1
Karen Hiller
785-232-2917 City Manager Dan Stanley
785-368-3725

SHAWNEE COUNTY COMMISIONERS

200 SE 7th B11
Topeka Kansas
66603-3971
(785) 233-8200
Ext. 4040

Chairman (District 1)
Shelly Buhler
(District 2) Mary Thomas
(District 3) Ted Ensley

TOPEKA HIGH DRUM LINE For DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RALLY

Insult to Injury- Chad Manspeaker who voted to ‘Decriminalize Domestic Violence’ shows up at Domestic Violence Rally in Topeka,KS

2011-10-21T13:43:00.001-07:00

Hey Topeka Women - SLAP! Slap! Slap!! Compliments of Chad Manspeaker. Just to make sure you didn’t get ‘Slapped enough’ the first time – see here

Topeka Voted tonight to Decriminalize Domestic Violence - A Move that Sets Back a 100 years of DV work

10-21-2011 “Manspeaker, who voted with the majority of the council to repeal misdemeanor domestic battery from city ordinance’

This was insane, Chad Manspeaker, not only showed up at rally but spoke about his decision (and 6 others city councilpersons) who voted to ‘Decriminalize Domestic Violence’ with in the Topeka City limits that outraged the Nation. This ELECTED official, a ‘public servant’ huh? could have fooled me- Had the audacity to show up at OUR DV rally and further had the audacity to ‘explain his decision’ STILL thinking he ‘is da man’ - He is not, he is a coward as are the others who voted to further insult battered women--

And really Chad, while the other two council members Everhart and Harmon (who voted against repealing the ban) were ‘serving the public’ and hot dogs- Manspeaker wouldn’t do ‘public servant work’ he just sat and ate his hotdogs.

Boooooo Manspeaker—how dare you show up and talk your crap at a rally for survivors and victims of ‘Domestic Violence”- the same that YOU ‘DECRIMILIZED?’
SLAP!! SLAP!! Take that- you women! I guess abusers are like that. They like to control intimidate and expect you to kneel down and lick his shoes for his greatness in making sure that Victims of Domestic Violence crime is decriminalized.
Any ways, let him know how victims/survivors do not appreciate his actions.

Chad Manspeaker , 1304 SW College Ave, Topeka, KS 66604
Cell: 220-9493 email: manspeakerfortopeka@gmail.com

Council District #6
Chad Manspeaker, Councilperson
1304 SW College Ave., Topeka, KS 66604
cmanspeaker@topeka.org
785-220-9493
Chad Manspeaker (@manspeaker) on Twitter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ManspeakerForTopeka?v=info

Today is the Last Day of Topeka’s “Week without Violence”- No for Real - The same City that ‘Decriminalized Domestic Violence” uh-huh, That one.

2011-10-21T06:47:00.000-07:00

A week without violence in a city that decriminalized-- it'd be great to have a week of prosecutions.

But a DV victim will rarely have her day in court, it will be pled out. We won’t even go into the Budget issues, over burdened criminal and ‘Simple Assault’ (on non family) being more of a crime than –’Domestic Violence’ (beating your family member).

Today in Topeka, Kansas is the annual March Against Violence that ends the ‘Week without Violence’ sponsored by the YWCA.
Final event is today- at 11:00 am at the State Capitol.
The rally/march where all the Local and City Government, Chief of Police, Sheriff, DA, AG, DV Fatality Review Committee.

Since the City of Topeka will not support Victims/Survivors of Violence as the entire Community must, in order to stop the war on women—It is us—We the Survivors, We the outraged, We the people that must show our Courage and Strength (contrary to the City of Topeka’s cowardly –‘way-out’) and show our Support for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence. by Taking a Stand and saying “NO- We Do Not Accept this.”

Bring your Signs, Bring your Heart, Walk for those who can not and show your support.

Thanks to all those around the nation who continue to do exactly that.

A Victims' First Scream is For Help, A Victim's Second Scream is For Justice!

Topeka's "Week Without Violence" Begins Today in the Only City in the Nation that 'Decriminalized Domestic Violence."

2011-10-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

I am saddened. The City Council continues to twist and mince words. The bottom line and in simple English is - YES, THEY DECRIMINALIZED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE within the city of Topeka.

There is no mis- communication Karin Hiller voted to repeal the city ordinance banning domestic battery from city limits. The DA still does not have the funding to do more than review and or plea out DV cases. The County Comissoner has only agreed to look into the finaces of DA- DA will be laying off Staff effective Dec 23 to the tune of 350k-- same amount the Commission reduced his budget. In other words Domestic Violence cases - being the lowest catagory of crimes even lower than simple assault will NOT get the attention they deserve.

See some of the other posts on this site. They want to be called hero's? They are cowards. They think that they know what is best for domestic violence victims? They are wrong.

The YWCA begins its week with out violence in the First City in the Nation to decriminalize Domestic Violence. See event here: and please be sure to attend the March on Friday where all the State, City and County Gov. officials will be leading the March.
KEEP WRITING the city council (express your outrage over their thoughtless and heartless repeal of Dv) and Write the city commissioners we need the DA's office funded! We need help!!

The Attorney General Derek Schmidt knows that Domestic Violence Victims will suffer (MORE than they have already) from budget cuts and reduced staff in DA office.

As for all those on the City Council who voted to repeal ban-- You have not helped us- You have hurt us -even more.

Happy "Week with out Violence" in honor of "National Domestic Violence Awareness Month".

Topeka has become an 'abuser' to battered women as well as an already broken system and sympathy for abusers. Be ashamed, be very ashamed.

Topeka's Mayor, City Manager and City Council - The devastating impacts domestic violence has on children

2011-10-13T19:11:00.000-07:00

So, You think you have the right to be safe? You think that the City Council really Cares? Think again.

Really-- How bad is it? Very.

Battered Mothers Custody Conference Interviews

[WARNING VIEWER DISCRETION ADVISED]

From Fox News:"I believe the decision by Topeka's mayor and city council would have been different if they knew the devastating impacts domestic violence has on children," Martin said. "Studies show that without help up to three-quarters of these children will grow up to repeat the cycle of abuse."

See the following full length Documentaries:
[This is What Domestic Violence Victims Women and their Children have to look forward to when the Seek Justice]

So what happened?--- "WE The People" told the Topeka City council -- "Do Not Decriminalize Domestic Battery.!!" Against EVERYONE's requests (but their own self serving posturing) They LEGALIZE Domestic Violence.

Hows that "Domestic Violence Awareness Month" - thingy working out for you?"
-- Are you aware?
-- Aware that you really do not have any safe avenue, no Justice, no recourse.
-- You can count only on your self.

PLEASE do The Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit for Those in Violent Relationships
and see: TIME’S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AN ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIP

So if you are killed, then you become a 'high' case (worth prosecuting). This way, at least your killer will not walk away, doing as he said he would -- "I will kill you, and I will get away it". (as so many do)

As you can see, Domestic Violence -- its more than just a misdemeanor, Its a Humans Rights Issue. See Evan Starks: Coercive Control

Why abused women develop a profile of problems seen among no other group of assault victims, prisoner camps, the legal system failed to win them Justice, not a crime, but deprivation of Human Rights.

I can speak first hand about this, I am the lead plaintiff at the Inter American Commission Human Rights (Dombrowski et el v US) this is how Kansas and the rest of the Nation takes cares of Domestic Violence Victims. Look at how they treat those victims who do decide to leave.

Nothing has changed, it has only gotten worst. The Court Room is the 2nd most dangerous place for a Domestic Violence Victim/Survivor.

Zeus radio: Where Susan Murphy-Milano, Claudine Dombrowski on Intimate Partner Violence and Barry Goldstein On "Protecting Battered Women in the Courtrooms. "Out of the frying pan and into the fire"

And also see:

The Battered Mothers Custody Conference and the new legal research into What Batterers do when Victims decide to leave-- for more information

Simply put, Topeka Kansas, on a good day does NOT acknowledge Domestic Violence as a crime. No matter how the City 'says' "we just want to help Victims" the truth is- they simply do not give a crap! Not about Victims Not about the community and with their narrow mined tunnel vision 'hate' towards the DA, their egos have and continue to wreck havoc on women and children in Topeka, in Kansas and Nationally.

All this hype and false sense of security--- Women, Mothers, Daughters, Sisters-- Men who care about the women in their lives Heed this warning. Do not trust in the system to help you. Certainly do not trust those who voted to legalize Domestic Violence in Topeka, KS.

Your case WILL NOT-- get prosecuted, unless you are near dead. That's just the way the system works, and as we all know, any victim of any crime, well --- JUSTICE is never for victims. Assault is a higher charge but alas its intimate partner violence-- so that automatically bumps your "plea' for help your cries for justice into the 'x' file pile-- trash, dismissed non priority of the crimes.

You can thank The City Council, City Mayor, City Manager Here for saying and for treating 1 in 4 women "That you do NOT matter." Those who Opposed and those who 'Decrimilized Domestic Violence" here:

Then take a look at the feed to the right-- this is not going away- this is not getting better and its time for a National wake up call--- ENOUGH is ENOUGH. Time's Up!!

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ABUSE, AND CHILD CUSTODY Legal Strategies and Policy Issues

It's no longer illegal to abuse a spouse if you're in Topeka, KS

2011-10-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

Oct. 12: It's no longer illegal to abuse a spouse if you're in Topeka, Kan., at least under city law. The city council voted Tuesday night to repeal the city’s misdemeanor domestic battery law. NBC’s Stephanie Gosk has more.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Topeka, KS - Abusers Given the Green Light? FOX NEWS Sheppard Smith

2011-10-12T17:16:00.001-07:00

The take on Topeka with Shepard Smith.....http://video.foxnews.com/v/1215012384001/abusers-given-the-green-light/
Topeka has been on every major media from left to right, New York Times, New York Daily, Washington Post, the drudge report, The pitch, Forbes, AP, ABC, NBC, MSNBC , CBS, Just to name a few---
Shame Topeka, You are a black eye on the nation. One of the most frequently used quotes”

“If you want to beat your wife move to Topeka”

Mr Dan Stanley should be awfully proud of himself; “City Manager is PLEASED’ he has effectively cut the throats of DV victims yet again. As he giddily dances up and down like the 5 year old mentality that he has.

Courtesy Topeka Capitol Journal

He so happily tells how proud he is of his decision and vote at the City Council Meeting last night to ‘decriminalize’ domestic violence in the city limits of Topeka KS, so that he and the city do not have to prosecute DV cases.
They instead can pay their City Judges 110K a year to open envelopes for money – from fines, parking tickets, building codes, dog at large. I mean come on already a 110k—no two (2) 110K Judges to open envelopes and put fines in to the city’s coffer.
A $ 9.00 an hour clerk can do both these judges job in one day.

Meanwhile,

Yes, The DA has to take the misdemeanor cases of DV, but---- only the top - almost dead ones. (so same- Felony only due to budget cuts and staff layoffs)

DA to lay off employees after $347K budget reduction

Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor said Wednesday that 17 percent of the work force in his office will be laid off as a result of the 10 percent reduction of his budget by the county commission.

You see he now has to lay off people in today’s press release as once again it is all about money - Money that the city manager has the County Commissioner has and well… not the DA and not the victims.
Oh and keep in mind ---
this all happening During National Domestic Violence Awareness Month – even right here in Topeka where Domestic Violence is legal.

YWCA sets Week Without Violence events 10/12/11 - 5:24pm

Events designed to call attention to domestic violence have been scheduled for next week's Week Without Violence, part of the national Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Well it looks like we are back where we started from. Only worst as now it still remains ‘Legal in the city of Topeka, to beat your wife.”

"Time's Up!": Topeka Kansas: Successfully Votes Making "Domestic Violence Legal"
THE COLOR PURPLE

Topeka Voted tonight to Decriminalize Domestic Violence - A Move that Sets Back a 100 years of DV work

2011-10-11T20:50:00.000-07:00

In a 7-3 Vote The Capital of Kansas -Topeka has sent a loud and Clear message-- Its ok to beat your spouse, we have decriminalized it.

From: The Topeka Capitol Journal

City repeals ordinance banning domestic battery

ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

A group gathers outside the Shawnee County Court House in Topeka, Kan. Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011. The NOW Nantional Organization for Women rallied before the Topeka City Council work study session where they were going to talk about repealing a domestic violence ordinance. (AP Photo/The Topeka Capital-Journal, Anthony S. Bush

ANTHONY S. BUSH/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Claudine Dombrowski a survivor advocate, left greats Amber Versola, the Lobbyist for Kansas NOW, National Organization for Women, right, on Tuesday, Oct 11, 2011, at a rally at the Shawnee County Court House in Topeka, Kan. The rally was before the Topeka City Council work study session on repealing a ban on domestic battery. (AP Photo/The Capital-Journal, Anthony S. Bush)

Yes, it is now legal within the City Limits, imagine in the Month of October, the 24th National Domestic Violence Awareness Month-- Topeka Legalizes Domestic Violence. All Survivors and Victims every where have been thrown back into the dark ages. Shame on Topeka for their 'slap in the face' to every victim nationwide. Topeka Kansas is now-- the abuser.

This will set a bad precedence through the nation. One that will have deadly ripple effects. Myself and other advocates and the three Councilpersons who voted against repealing and legalizing Domestic Violence engaged in a tense hour and half with dialogue with the rest of the Council and especially Dan Stanley Interim City Manger.

I tip my hat to these three Council members who were 'bullied' by the rest of the council's self serving needs on the 'backs of Domestic Violence Victims

Those who opposed in the final vote were: (please lend to them your support and thanks)

Denise Everhart
Richard Harmon
Larry Wolgast

The City Council members who sold out Victims of Violence: (and need to be voted out)

Dan Stanley- Interim City Manager

Mayor Bill Bunton

Karen Hiller
John Alcala,Deputy Mayor
Sylvia Ortiz
Chad Manspeaker
Bob Archer
Andrew Gray

The Councils email address and contact numbers are here: http://www.topeka.org/cityofficials/

I witnessed the Council that supported the the 'Decriminalization of Domestic Violence with in the City Limits of Topeka - berate speakers, who were survivors and victims, with their temper tantrum and finger pointing. No one in the City wanted this to pass except Dan Stanley and his "six" along with the Mayor as the majority vote. I simply am appalled as is the rest of the Nation who watched it live streaming.

The New York Times: Topeka Moves to Decriminalize Domestic Violence
The AP: Kan.'s capital city repeals domestic violence law
The Topeka Capitol Journal : City repeals ordinance banning domestic battery

In the following days there will be more National Media, Talk Shows as the the 'First City in the Nation,' The Capitol City of Kansas, Topeka has just repealed the City Ordinance 'Decriminalizing Domestic Violence'

October 10^th, 2011

City Hall

Re: Repeal of Domestic Battery

Comments by Claudine Dombrowski

Council members,

Roll the dice!!! Maybe if you repeal and decriminalize Domestic Violence there may be charges filed by the DA

Roll the Dice! Maybe not as he still does not have the funding to prosecute.

This is what the City Council, the County Commissioners and the DA are doing! Gambling with the safety and lives of women. This is UNACCPTABLE!

These Laws were NOT written with the ink of pens but with the blood of those who have died. They are not to be gambled or toyed with.

If you do not think ‘messages’ are important like the message you send with repealing the ban on dv—think again. That message alone will break the spirits of all hope, all validation of all victims/survivors—by further demeaning, degrading and devaluing once again the horror victims must endure.

According to data from the Governor’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, more than 20 women are killed each year in Kansas as a result of domestic violence. Nationally, domestic violence is one of the leading causes of injury to women. Data from the U.S. Department of Justice says that on average, three women are killed by their current or former partners each day.

There are several options with even more yet available, Take the deal Taylor offered you and get rid of municipal court, or have the commission reinstate the budget cut, to the DA, or cut 350k from the public library. Or 250K for another roundabout, or another 200k for golf course irrigation, dead women have no use for libraries, golf course or roundabouts.

Roll the dice! Game over - Victims loose.

What a way to honor victims and survivors in the 24^th year of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Topeka, KS: “Outraged” KS-NOW Spearheads Protest at City Hall and DA’s Office – Over Domestic Violence Debacle. Tuesday October 11, 2011 4PM

2011-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

For more information on whats happening Google search any combination of "Topeka Kansas Decriminalize Domestic Violence"

Spearheaded by KS-NOW: Kansas National Organization for Women
Topeka’s Plan to decimalize Domestic Violence – In Domestic Violence Awareness Month –no less. shame.
Several National Media Articles – under Google search in News “Topeka Domestic Violence”

Time Tuesday, October 11 · 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Location 200 SE 7th St. Topeka, Ks. 66603
Kansas National Organization for Women

More Info

Come protest the District Attorney Chad Taylor’s office from 4 pm- 5:30 pm. We must stand up against the decisions being made regarding women and their families’ lives due to budget cuts right here in Kansas.

Bring your signs!

Following the protest there will be a city council meeting in the same building starting at 6 pm.

We need people to come in masses and please call the Shawnee County Courthouse if you would like to speak at the meeting in order to get your name on the docket before 5 pm on Tuesday. Please send the word out and your presence is needed in this time of lost priorities. We will hand out purple ribbons at the protest.
*If you do wish to speak (and call to put your name on the list), they request that you limit your time to 4 minutes MAX.

Topeka KS - Two Domestic Violence Survivors Speak Out Failure to Prosecute and City's plan to 'Decriminalize' Domestic Violence

2011-10-04T21:10:00.000-07:00

Council discusses domestic battery prosecution

Two domestic violence survivors addressed the Topeka City Council on Tuesday evening after it heard the first reading of a proposal targeted at forcing Shawnee County District Attorney Chad Taylor to resume prosecuting domestic batteries committed in Topeka. “I just ask that somehow there has to be a resolution,” Joe Cheray told the council.

###

October 4th, 2011

City Hall, Public Hearing

Re: Repealing Ban on Domestic Battery

Submitted by Claudine Dombrowski

Council members,

I stand before you to speak about the issue known as REPEALING THE BAN on DOMESTIC BATTERY within the City Limits that the vast majority of Topekans, and now AMERICANS, recognize as a measure to ‘DECRIMINALIZE DOMESTIC BATTERY’ within the city limits of TOPEKA.

EVERYONE understands that budgetary shortfalls are a catalyst behind this recent decision. While neighboring communities in Kansas and around the country, face similar economic challenges, many of these communities are for example, limiting services, like reducing government office hours, foregoing park maintenance, or taking longer to patch potholes.

Yet in Topeka, it has been decided that we can solve a budget problem, by foregoing the protection of those most vulnerable. Don't we all know that any type of criminal activity will undoubtedly increase when the consequence is removed? Am I the only one who understands this logic? Has anyone with responsibility considered all of the costs?

MOST of us also understand that the other catalyst is yet another bungled, politicized process. The LEGALIZATION of DOMESTIC BATTERY is not a natural disaster, it's a manmade disaster, one within our control to manage and solve properly. Although will someone please explain to how an elected / appointed group of individuals arrived at a decision to DECRIMINALIZE Domestic Violence. And, how did they possibly not understand how opposition to their collective actions would not gain an explosive level of traction.

This political gamesmanship will no doubt directly contribute to the physical and emotional harm of those left even less protected, and further exposed to DV.

My mother always said “two wrongs do not make a right” by repealing the ban on DV within the city is 2nd wrong, to the 1st wrong of the DA’s failure to prosecute, and thereby protect.

In OCTOBER 2011, and for the 24th consecutive year, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Month is being recognized around the USA; its main purpose is to MOURN those who have died due to domestic violence, CELEBRATE those who have survived, and CONNECT those who continue to work in the endeavor, to inform and promote National and Community Awareness and Action to end Violence against women.

Council members, when you ‘repeal’ the ban on Domestic battery, for political reasons, you will be known not only to your daughters and granddaughters but to every DV victim/survivor-- as the city who did not care, locally and nationally. ... YES, the for the 24th CONSECUTIVE year we have a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS Month, while in Topeka it sounds and feels NOT like 2011, but MORE like 1961 . I ask that on behalf of victims and survivors everywhere, that you honor our struggle and not further degrade us.

Thank you for your time.

Claudine Dombrowski

###
Related:

10-7-2011 KCSDV Statement
10-7-2011 NY Daily News: Domestic Abuse Cases Ignored in Topeka as City Council & County Fight over Who Should Handle Prosecution
10-6-2011 Domestic battery: KS-NOW leader voices 'outrage'
10-6-2011 Mother Jones: Topeka to Legalize Domestic Violence?
10-5-2011 Feministing: Topeka, Kansas considers decriminalizing domestic violence to avoid prosecuting cases
9-29-2011 Advocates Furious After Topeka, County DA Refuse to Prosecute Domestic Violence Cases
9-23-2011 Topeka Kansas: Failure to Protect Violates Statutes
9-22-2011 Zeus Radio: Claudine Dombrowski on Intimate Partner Violence and Barry Goldstein protecting Battered Women in the Courtrooms, Topeka DA Chad Taylor Refusing to Prosecute DV Cases
9-15-2011 A Hard Hit to DV Victims by The Criminal Justice System in Kansas
9-15-2011 The Lights Went Out in Topeka for Victims of Domestic Violence: Claudine Dombrowski Speaks Out
9-14-2011 Topeka domestic abuse survivor trembling over DA's decision to pass down misdemeanors

More here:
Chad Taylor, Domestic Battery, Topeka City Interim City Manager Dan Stanley
and here:

Domestic Violence is Currently LEGAL in Topeka, Kansas

2011-09-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

Please comment on the original article here,

Topeka domestic abuse survivor trembling over DA's decision to pass down misdemeanors

We need outrage to stop this political game playing at the expense of women.

Right now in Topeka Kansas—Domestic violence is LEGAL.

Since last week’s decision of the County DA to stop prosecuting Domestic Violence in the city limits, there have been 35 Domestic Violence arrests that have walked with no charges. The City manager Dan Stanley is considering a repeal in the City Ordinances that Domestic Violence is not a crime within the city, so that the City Judges and Prosecutors do not have to charge, prosecute and try any Domestic Violence. The District Attorney’s Office is refusing to accept ant City Domestic Violence Crimes.

Why it would be worse for victims.

It is very dangerous for victims of DV to report the crime as the consequences from the ‘perp’ are even worse than the actual ‘incident’ being charged. BATTERER RETALIATION. So when a DV case is pursued, it’s got to be with heavy consequences to the perp, as she (the victim) is in even more danger than she was when the charge was filed.

How a victim is treated usually has little to do with the actual system, but has everything to do with the people who work in the system.

The issue is making sure the judges understand what they should be looking at for evidence in domestic violence cases. How the judge or victims’ rights advocates, police offices or city prosecutors or district attorneys or assistant district attorneys and their staff are educated, and implement those tools to aid victims and insure justice is much more important than which court should have jurisdiction.

Domestic Violence is defined as a “pattern of control’’

1. Domestic Violence tag law Effective July 1, 2011

2. DA has a DV task team that do all the DV cases.

3. It is extremely rare that a dv charge is ever held at dv usual they are reduced to ‘damage to personal property and disorderly conduct.’ Then it is still a misdemeanor, only after three such convictions does the 4^th time warrant even felony status.

Perhaps with the DV tag law, which will document all the ‘disorderly conducts, damage to personal property with a tag at the bottom showing was in relation to domestic violence—will show that pattern and perhaps then they can change the ‘misdemeanor dv conviction to felony sooner than with the NON attainable 3 DV misdemeanor convictions to the 4^th as a felony.

The County DA’s office needs to maintain the Domestic Violence cases—or person injury crimes. They need the money to maintain at minim mum what they have and been doing in the area DV. In fact they need more than even that . Its is the DA’s office—the people that bring the crimes to paper, to the system, of Charges, and begin the long process of getting it through the system and getting ‘justice’ and consequences for the crime.

The DA works closely with the Secretary of State’s e.g. address confidentiality program for victims of domestic violence, the Attorney general’s office who also has a DV task team, and the Governor’s Office that gives grant funding, specific to ensure and to continue the legal prosecution of offenders, the KCSDV that provides up to date education, and best practices of understanding, prosecuting, supporting the victims of Domestic Violence and Coercive Control. The DA’s office has made huge advancements in the past 30 years with this heinous crime.

To toss it to the city will be to throw all that to the wind, the dark ages of Domestic Violence if you will—is even darker now.

I have no problem with other misdemeanors-NON person Injury offences such as hot checks, small claims courts, Code enforcement and violations.

The Commissioners want to cut the budget, money, there are many County expenditures that are wasted. There are Court programs that can be cut without threat to public safety, Like parenting classes, Drug Classes, several of the so called CSO that do noting but ‘busy work’ that cannot be done by the City/municipal court. But of all the county cuts—the last one would be to cut the DA’s office—the only avenue to even begin to seek justice. For any crime, violent crimes, even violent crimes labeled as ‘just dv”.

Where city ordinance- codes are the main cases – to high grass, code compliance, housing buildings, traffic, parking meters.

However, of the two Judges (and only Judges at Municipal/city Court)

Lloyd C Swartz - A history to include usual district court ‘Case manager’ who blocks access to justice has a history of harming battered mothers. (I myself included)

Vic Miller – 28 findings of Fact- Court Admonishments for Violations of the Attorney Code of ethics. 1. Incompetence, injury, Mental.

At one point they were going to ‘disbar’ him, until he hired lawyer john ambrosia as defense. This hardly ever happens, I have seen attorneys make death threats, physically attack patrons in the court house, accepting bribes and shown evident biased and lack of neutrality—those actions have failed to be admonished by the Disciplinary board let alone make it to actual supreme court public admonishment.

Even Stanley the acting City manager- KNOWS how dangerous this is.

See More Here:

The Lights Went Out in Topeka for Victims of Domestic Violence: Claudine Dombrowski Speaks Out

Topeka domestic abuse survivor trembling over DA's decision to pass down misdemeanors

D.A. sheds misdemeanor prosecutions in Topeka

DA rejects 30 domestic violence cases

Taylor, Stanley spar over misdemeanor prosecution

D.A.'s office sends 30 domestic violence cases back to TPD

A Kansas Introduction-- The Address Confidentiality Program

2010-08-25T15:10:00.000-07:00

{ my 1^st post on this site—please enjoy as most of the posts coming will be hard to digest as I specialize in Battered MOTHERS who have lost custody of their Children to the ABUSERS via the Court System that was SUPPOSED to PROTECT—but in fact has miserably failed thousands of Victims of Violence—Coercive Control- a human rights issue--the mothers, the children- many have not survived and the genocide only continues—to all the countless survivors/victims I am with you—and you are not alone—I and countless others are with you—all my love—Claudine} and Please visit www.AmericanMothersPoliticalParty.org

For today---

The Address Confidentiality Program- While picking up RX Drug

This afternoon I went to pick up my meds —you know that 2.50 generic program—I’m on social security disability 100% and anyways it covers nothing- My Dr. told me about the basic generic programs via pharmacies such as Walgreen Wal-Mart and others for-- e.g. Antibiotics -anti-inflammatory (the list of approved generic price drugs (check with your pharmacists about this they will give you a list) for the $2.50 drugs covered. Here is one I pulled for Wal-Mart—but all pharmacies offer a list. ASK THEM or your DR. they will help you.

Anyways;

When I was there picking up my RX for antibiotic related to degenerative bone disease—the little cashier so polite asks my name—confirms date of birth— confirms phone number—you know the usual stuff that goes into computers--then confirms my address. Huh? (she gives an address on file) Nope that is not my address, I say ‘never heard of it’—so she wants my address—I give her my dl has a p.o box on it—as you see I am on the Safe at Home-- address safe confidentiality program— this is my address—I live in a box. I explained to this pretty young lady (not much older than my daughter I think to mysef).

Kansas is K.S.A 74-451 just one of Several states that utilize this program. Nationwide directory here.

Well--- I am used to people saying ‘Federal Law Mandates we have a physical address” blah blah-- I am also used to saying ‘This is my address’—I hear the next common reply—“but we will keep it safe” I follow with my norm—‘this is my address’ I am on the Sah, ACP Program through the secretary of state administered by the Kansas Attorney General spew ( I know by heart.).

Never give your physical address to any one ladies not any one not the cops not any one—once enrolled in the program your physical address is the attorney generals address at least here in Kansas. Stay OFF THE GRID or you will be found.

Then, after the pharmacist says ‘ok’—use her address on her DL’--cool --and as this sweet young lady is ringing me up—she bursts into tears—

“How do I get on it?-Can anyone get on it?”—(ah man I think)—and I know that the state coalition and even worst the old battered women’s task force (now the empowerment center)-sued by men so it changed its name-- sigh) is about worthless—so I direct her to the state its self and the director of KCSDV and the AG

The SaH ACP is in most states another question this young lady asked me—“does my credit card bills etc go there?”-- she asks? She is not married no children so she has a good chance of surviving— and plans to leave the state. {I and many more have children who are held captive—and will be the main content of this blog- although all that I post will be helpful to any one in out or ongoing a stalking or coercive control situation}

The thing that I want to emphasize is that The States ACP program guarantee only one thing—Your Address—that’s it—they do not have any other resources no homes to get in via the acp—no creative ideas for address no further instructions—its up to you the survivor—this only gives you.. your address is confidential. {There is a whole array of new issues to deal with that. A whole other post.}

Another and perhaps easier way is to get a federal express address or a UPS address Your New Home address is a street—not a box J--- Kewl huh???—They give a name like 1234 park avenue lane so it’s not a box—which in my case as I am a PO BOX—(and causes so many red flags Like above)—But I am old and have been off grid since 2000. Only in 2007 did Kansas make Law the SaH ACP program and I was simply ‘grandfathered in’.

To take it further I highly recommend getting the Times Up book it is available on this site for immediate electronic download.

To the Young Lady I met this afternoon—you have my number—and God Speed baby. And Please Visit Susan Murphy Milano for more info and Times UP! How to STAY SAFE honey!!

Insanity? Nope. Family Court in Kansas

2010-05-14T11:34:00.000-07:00

Imagine that your home was broken into, vandalized and burglarized one night. You were roughed up and tied up while he ransacked your home. Fortunately, he left you shaken and hurt, but not seriously injured such as to require hospitalization. You were successfully able to identify him and his vehicle as he sped away.

Upon your call to the police, the offender is apprehended with the goods in his possession and brought to court to stand trial for his crimes against you.

You arrive in court and the first thing the judge asks you is if you are willing to go to mediation with the burglar. When you refuse, the judge labels you ‘uncooperative’ and ‘hostile’ to the burglar's continued relationship with you. Even though the burglar was caught red-handed with your goods, and you were an eye witness to the crime, the judge now decides that he can't possibly decide the case without first appointing a social worker termed a "burglary evaluator" to assess yours and the burglar's relationship.

When the social worker/evaluator can not determine what is best for your relationship or your stolen goods, they ask the judge to have both you and the burglar psychologically evaluated, because you seem "anxious", "angry" and "uncooperative" with the burglar. The court-appointed psychologist, who has no experience in being the victim of violent crime and has not studied the

effects of such trauma, also determines that you are uncooperative, hostile, anxious, and you

have a negative opinion of the burglar that can't be healthy. After all, the burglar had nothing but good things to say about you, your home and your belongings during his evaluation.

The psychologist recommends that you be restricted from access to your belongings until you can accept the burglar's rightful relationship to continued access to your home and personal effects. He further recommends you attend weekly conjoint therapy with the burglar to work on being more cooperative with him in the future.

All at your expense of course.

The judge decides to wait a year or so to see how you work through your relationship with the burglar before he can decide upon the burglary conviction. He chastises you that you had better really work at the relationship or he may just grant the burglar's request to maintain sole ownership of your property. None of these "experts" can be sued civilly for their negligence and incompetence because they have judicial or quasi-judicial immunity.

Insanity? Nope. Family court in Kansas.

Domestic violence victims walk into family court to ask a judge to protect their children from a known abuser. Instead, they face the above-described nightmare that can span years and put them into financial ruin, mental and emotional exhaustion, not to mention directly back into the path of the abuser. Judges pressure them to mediate, assign a custody evaluator who pressures them to accept 50/50 joint physical and legal custody with theirs and their children's abuser.

They and their children are put through psychological evaluations by persons with little to no training in domestic violence, and some judges force co-parenting therapy and reunification therapy upon mother and child with their perpetrators. If they can not fit into the mold of cooperative "co-parenting" and the children continue to be reluctant to visit with the man that abused them, they face losing custody to him.

We have spent millions of dollars printing brochures and making public service announcements to victims of domestic violence encouraging them to leave violent relationships and telling them of the harmful effects on their children.

But when they do get the courage to leave, the same system tells them they are wrong to try to protect their children once they have divorced their abuser, and that they should now fully and freely support unsupervised visitation with the same dangerous person. Contrary to popular belief, children of batterers can be at just as much risk psychologically, sexually, and even physically after the couple splits up as they were when the family was still together. In fact, many children experience the most damaging victimization from the abuser at this point.

Most people assume that a fit mother never loses custody. If only that were true. The American Judges Association reports that "Studies show that batterers have been able to convince authorities that the victim is unfit or undeserving of sole custody in approximately 70% of challenged cases." Unfortunately, the state of Kansas’s current laws also says that none of these people can be held accountable, either.

And so we go on, handing down family violence from one generation to the next...

KMFCJ-founded by Claudine Dombrowski,a Protective Parent and survivor of Domestic Violence and systemic abuse. The goals of KMFCJ is to publish informed news releases, links and commentaries relating to protective parents and their children who continue to be victimized by the abuser and or the court system.

www.AngelFury.org [a special thanks to Paige Hodson-Alaska Mothers For Custodial Justice]

Mayor Bill Bunten 785-368-3895	District 2 John Alcala 785-233-7110
District 6 Chad Manspeaker 785-220-9493	District 8 Andrew Gray 785-806-0068
District 3 Sylvia Ortiz 785-357-0717	District 7 Bob Archer 785-817-8157
District 1 Karen Hiller 785-232-2917	City Manager Dan Stanley 785-368-3725

Claudine Dombrowski

Domestic Violence Continued: Contested Child Custody Through Protracted Litigation

Domestic Batterers Do Not Need Help! They NEED PUNISHED!! Jailed and Kept Away from their Victims!

Topeka, KS: Safe Visit Looses United Way Funding, A Child trafficking, Batterer Friendly, Custody Switch Program. Fatherhood Initiatives Give Batterers Custody

It’s about time!!!! YEAH!!!! one less, so many more to go….

I Too Have A Dream. That All Battered Mothers and Their Children Can One day Be Free.

Live Stream: The Ninth Annual ‘Battered Mothers Custody Conference’ Begins Tonight Jan 6, 7 & 8th, Albany, NY

The Ninth Annual Battered Mothers Custody Conference:

BMCC IX, January 6th, 7th, and 8th, 2012

Friday evening through Sunday

You can watch the Conference live stream beginning tonight at 7 PM EST here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-ninth-battered-mothers-custody-conference *Updated Conference Schedule * Presenters

About The Conference: Battered Mothers Custody Conference The Conference includes presentations, round-table discussions, and question & answer sessions with nationally distinguished professionals whose work is ...

Susan Murphy Milano Zeus Radio:

Mothers File International Petition To Inter American Commission On Human Rights

NATIONAL DOCUMENTARIES ON THE CRISIS IN FAMILY COURTS

2008 Family Law Documentary

"Auld Lang Syne" Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind ?

From Tragedy To Action: The National Release of "Jana’s Story". Jana Mackey Kansas University Student & NOW Lobbyist Who Was Brutally Murdered In An Act of Domestic Violence....

National Release of "Jana’s Story" Video Set For December 6th

Topeka Legal System Fails Abused Women - Due to Budget Cuts

Legal System Fails Abused Women

alternative methods should be pursued

Shawnee County Commissioners: Shelley Buhler, Ted Ensley, Mary Thomas- Refuse to fund Domestic Violence Cases but prioritize golf course irrigation and personal profitable interests. A Special Interest Group-only.

Topeka, No money for Domestic Violence but millions for Golf Course’s

Denise Everhart and Claudine Dombrowski Discuss Topeka’s decriminalizing domestic violence

Shawnee County Commissioners: Adequately Fund for Prosecution of Domestic Violence Case's in Topeka, KS

Why this is Important

Denise Everhart, Richard Harmon - True ‘elected’ Public Servants Support Victims of Domestic Violence at Rally, Topeka, KS

TOPEKA HIGH DRUM LINE For DOMESTIC VIOLENCE RALLY

Insult to Injury- Chad Manspeaker who voted to ‘Decriminalize Domestic Violence’ shows up at Domestic Violence Rally in Topeka,KS

Hey Topeka Women - SLAP! Slap! Slap!! Compliments of Chad Manspeaker. Just to make sure you didn’t get ‘Slapped enough’ the first time – see here

Today is the Last Day of Topeka’s “Week without Violence”- No for Real - The same City that ‘Decriminalized Domestic Violence” uh-huh, That one.

Topeka's "Week Without Violence" Begins Today in the Only City in the Nation that 'Decriminalized Domestic Violence."

Topeka's Mayor, City Manager and City Council - The devastating impacts domestic violence has on children

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, ABUSE, AND CHILD CUSTODY Legal Strategies and Policy Issues

It's no longer illegal to abuse a spouse if you're in Topeka, KS

Topeka, KS - Abusers Given the Green Light? FOX NEWS Sheppard Smith

YWCA sets Week Without Violence events 10/12/11 - 5:24pm

Topeka Voted tonight to Decriminalize Domestic Violence - A Move that Sets Back a 100 years of DV work

Topeka, KS: “Outraged” KS-NOW Spearheads Protest at City Hall and DA’s Office – Over Domestic Violence Debacle. Tuesday October 11, 2011 4PM

Topeka KS - Two Domestic Violence Survivors Speak Out Failure to Prosecute and City's plan to 'Decriminalize' Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence is Currently LEGAL in Topeka, Kansas

Please comment on the original article here,

A Kansas Introduction-- The Address Confidentiality Program

Insanity? Nope. Family Court in Kansas

You can watch the Conference live stream beginning tonight at 7 PM EST here: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/the-ninth-battered-mothers-custody-conference Updated Conference Schedule P resenters