September 24, 2009

Stranger Abuse Tolerated

Sen. Chandler with vigorous support from Rep. Atkins wants to include strangers for restraining orders to address rape and other forms of criminal abuse. (Anne Baker, "Restraining orders: Now with more umph!" Boston Weekly Dig, September 23, 2009) One stalking victim said, "If you're raped by someone you don't know, you can't get a restraining order. I find that absolutely amazing."

Current state laws are amazing for persons with disabilities, who have the same barrier to combating criminal abuse. If the abuser is a stranger the state Disabled Persons Protection Commission does not have jurisdiction to stop the abuse. Police are skeptical when asked to protect persons with disabilities. This loophole allows serial abusers to operate with no fear of being caught.

The same amazing laws apply elder persons. If a stranger is abusing an elder the national network of taxpayer funded Elder Services offices cannot take jurisdiction. Strangers can continue abusing elders when the police refuse to act to stop the criminal abuse.

When police informants or government employees are the abusers it is unlikely that the police will stop such abuse. These two groups need protections too.

http://weeklydig.com/%5Bcatpath%5D/200909/restraining-orders-now-more-umph

Restraining orders: Now with more umph!
By Anne Baker
Boston Weekly Dig
September 23, 2009

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