- Her husband HEADED the Domestic Violence Unit of his police department
- [MA] Judge decides Officer O'Neil isn't DANGEROUS enough to hold
Sitting in: Zero tolerance for domestic abuse
Danvers Herald, MA - 7 hours ago
By Candace Waldron/HAWC Executive Director
Monday, January 29, 2007
[EXCERPTS]
"Zero tolerance is the standard that police departments and the courts should have for officers who resort to domestic assault... Judge Mori’s decision to release Rockport Patrolman Robert O’Neil on his own recognizance after he fired a .40 caliber handgun into a chair six inches from his wife’s head sent exactly the wrong message to victims, batterers and the community. It was a decision that once again, as is so often the case, put the interests of the abuser over those of his victims. Despite Rosa Benito’s expressed fear for her safety and the safety of their 2-year-old daughter, the officer is out of jail... Imagine calling the police to your home after a break in and robbery only to find out later that the officer is him- or herself an after-hours burglar. Would you trust that person to investigate the crime committed against you?... Victim advocates across the country can attest to the heightened level of danger that partners of abusive law enforcement personnel face when attempting to escape. Police officers can avail themselves of powerful information and tracking technologies, they have access to weapons and they are trained to protect one another..."
http://www.townonline.com/danvers/opinion/8998970904402722815
Candace Waldron is a resident of Rockport and the executive director of HAWC (Help for Abused Women and their Children). HAWC provides a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, hospital and court advocacy, counseling, support groups and violence prevention education. The hotline number is 978-744-6841; Cape Ann Hotline number is 978-281-1135. For information, visit www.helpabusedwomen.org.
What happens when your the Ex wife of a state police officer, and he takes you to court every three months for the past 5 yrs! This should be harrisment. He left us! Took all the money from our account. Did not help until the court ordered him too! When does it end! And why do the(boys) in blue not protect and serve? This is a problem that needs to be addressed! There should never be a Stacey Peterson.
ReplyDeleteWOW! ACCOUNTABILITY! SHE DESERVE ACCOUNTABILITY!!! SO MANY POLICE DEPARTMENTS AND STATE POLICE DEPARTMENTS CONTINUE TO ALLOW THIS SORT OF BEHAVIOR TO BE IGNORED, IT'S TIME!!
ReplyDeleteWE MUST STAND TOGETHER AND STAND STRONG. SHE IS NOT ALONE. GOD BLESS HER!!!
I am going to be an ex wife of a State Trooper eventually, and you have absolutely no idea what type of man he has turned into since becoming a State Trooper (but actually maybe some of u do know). My life has been hell for me & my 7yr old child for years and what he has been doing before our separation and still even now is just unbearable...I dont even know how to fathom any of it, let alone know I have to deal with his behaviors & actions especially knowing this is my child's father. I am overwhelmed & broken trying to deal with this man. He needed to get off his high horse a long time ago. The sad part is that his behaviors and actions that are known to so many fellow troopers, srgts, corporals, wives of them, girlfriends of them, even friends, have been encouraged, provoked, laughed about, etc, and these same people have been my close, close friends since he entered the academy almost 10yrs ago...they all have kept quiet and I am now ousted by all of them when I and MY SON are the victims. I cant believe I am not another statistic along with so many that have suffered at the hands of these men in uniform. Where does their entitlement come from & how can it be not accepted anymore? There needs to be accountability YESTERDAY...too many are getting away with far too many things. I pray for all of you, including those who have lost their lives, who have/had to endure any pain or harm as a result of these people with their heads held so high.
ReplyDeleteI am a survivor and piece of the epicdemic that is among the Police Depts across this nation. Domestic Violence has to be stop and some need to make this "animals" accountable for their actions. My husband tried to take my life and destroy me, but i am fighting back to take my life, my thoughts, my dreams,my desire to live. A lion as woken from a nightmare that just end.Enough is eough, his time is up, silence no more.
ReplyDelete