Nov 4, 2009 11:15 pm US/Eastern
Program Helps Abuse Victims Get Help They Need
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
There are far too many stories of women who have reached out for help, obtained restraining orders for protection only to have their husband or boyfriend violate that order and either seriously hurt or kill them.
Last month 29-year-old Missy Charbonneau in New Hampshire was one such example. An abusive husband, an order for protection filed and then when she went with her dad to collect her belongings at their house her husband shot and killed her, wounded her dad and then turned the gun on himself.
WBZ spoke with Ruth Deras who has been involved in violent relationships. "It didn't start off that way…the physical violence escalated. First it was the slap, then the slap and shove, then the punches, then the black eyes."
In her most recent violent relationship she turned for help got a restraining order and found the protection she was looking for. "The moment the restraining order was filed he never called me again...Never came near me again."
Checking court records a lot of people turn to restraining orders for help. Last year 34,960 petitions were filed in the state of Massachusetts.
Casa Myrna Vazquez Domestic Violence Hotline
MA Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence
The problem with shrinking budgets is law enforcement may be limited to combat those who violate these orders. Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone said "My biggest fear and concern in an economic downturn is that we don't have enough resources available in public safety and law enforcement to partner and help on the front end to avoid tragedy."
Leone has established a creative solution. He's partnering with private law firms to get lawyers to work with victims so they have a voice and representation. "Giving their time free of charge to help victims before the back end tragedies before the crime has been committed."
So far his approach has worked. The lawyers provide guidance, advice and protection and of the 30 cases they've handled so far they have won nearly all of them.
Leone is hoping this kind of creativity will help law enforcement be able to do their jobs while their budgets are being reduced. "Sometimes you have to learn how to do more with less."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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