I almost died
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| Sun, 05-15-2005 - 3:44pm |
1-01-05 was the most violent day in my life. My husband almost killed me. My call to 911 brought sheriff deputies, however they focused on some self inflicted wounds to my husband's hand rather then on my injuries and needs. They didn't even concidr that I had placed the call.
My husband scratched his own hand and reported to the deputies I had scratched him. I believe it was to get me not to press charges. The deputies tried 4 times to get me not to press charges because he had agreed to just go to his mom's house. When I refused because he had attacked me and I need protection I was also arrested. I never even had a chance to protect myself against my husband's bruital attack nor to protect my self or my rights against a small town sheriff's department. They did a dual arrest. He spent less then 24 hrs in jail I spent 1 week. I had no family in the area to help me; he had his mom. My life has been devasted by the attack, his lies and the actions of the sheriff's department. When my family finally got to me after coming from out of state I had to flee for my home. Because of the legal matter after 2 months I had to return to the area where this attack took place. For my safety I now have to live in shelters.
I finally got a Protective Order against him 2 weeks ago after months of trying and waiting. I am physically damaged, emotionally devasted, spiritually broken, financial destroyed, lost everything I owned and worst of all live in fear of not only my husband and his family but also this town's law enforcement.
At the time of the arrest I was not read my right's by the deputies nor offered medical assistance. I have read their report and it does not reflect this. As a matter of fact the officers stated they did offer medical help. They treated me like I was some piece of low class trash. I was not and am not. I don't understand how something so wrong could have taken place.
I suffered cracked ribs, deep tissuse bruising, all over body cuts, strangle marks, swelling and bruising to my eyes related to his choking me which began manifesting with in first few days after the assualt while i was in jail. No assistance or concern was shown to me. The emotional damage seems to continuely haunt me. I am also very disabled and was forced to endure horrific sleeping and living conditions.
It is going to take my body a long time to heal. I still have nightmatres and triggers. It I guess is going to take even longer for me to feel safe again. My husband premeditated this attack and there is proof but not even my court appointed attorney is willing to presue this information. Basically I have be asked what am I willing to do to make this go away. Wonder what they would have reported had my husband been successful at killing me. By the way this was his third attempt and I have witnesses but again no one in this town is willing to investigate.
Just need lots prayers, support and insight. Wonder if anyone else has been through this? Wonder how poor police work can be allowed to happen in such a dangerious situtation? What if I had been their sister, mother, aunt, friend, fellow church member would that have been the only way I would have been protected. There is more to my story and it's not good. It is terrifying. Thanks

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Go for it!
CL-Blueliner4
I have been trying for a day to think how to respond to your post. All I can say is I feel truly sick about what has happened/is happening to you and others. I am truly sorry and wish I could give you a hug.
Rowena
I am in total shock that you have/are facing the same kind of humiliation and degradation that I have. While in jail, I was treated as if I was already convicted of the crime of DV even before I was judged. I was never read my rights nor was I offered any legal or medical help. I believe this is how the justice system has/is abusing our basic bill of rights. The female "officers" strip searched me, did a cavity search and left me humiliated. While in there, I started my period. When I asked for a pad, the officer told me that I would have to use a tampon, (which I can't do because at the age of 26 I had cervical cancer and had my cervix removed) and she told me that she didn't "care if I BL*D to death". That was the ultimate humiliation for me.
Needless to say, I do not believe in the police or the court system anymore. I have been beaten, emotionally, financially, physically and legally beyond what feels to me, no return.
I went to court today to get my final sentence, and the judge was called for jury duty and was sitting in the next courtroom. I feel, that because he knew beforehand, he should have given notice and rescheduled another date. Instead, I went through days of feeling sick to my stomach and the fear of being separated from my dd's has been unbearable. Now I have to wait 2 more weeks before I will know the outcome of my destiny.
My X showed up today to read his "victim impact statement" which is full of fabrications and lies. He "thinks" that if I go to jail, he will get "sole custody" of our dd that we have together. The custody courts have already ruled that he is a negligent and abusive father and that no more overnights at his house will ever be allowed. He has 6 hours visitation a week.
I don't feel that there is enough being done to investigate the real truth behind DV cases. I believe that they are so hell-bent on reaching their quota's that they will convict anyone accused even though it is possible that they are the victim. I think it is politically related, as well as a monetary issue, and they are not interested in how many innocent people they put in jail. You, me and how many others are innocent of defending ourselves when attacked? I know that it happened time after time since that fateful night, and I did nothing to defend myself nor did I call the police...I had already been arrested once and I would never TRUST the police again!
It is not just your town, it is in every town in the USA! We have a DV atty on these boards that has herself been a victim. Hopefully she will read our pleas and give us some good advice before it is too late!
My heart is with you and I will pray that you fare much better than I did!
Melanie
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