Sleeping with the Enemy

On Monday, September 8 of this year, Andres Vargas of San Antonio, Texas, opened fire with an assault rifle on patrol officers who had arrived at his home looking to arrest him. Minutes later two officers lay seriously wounded. Vargas kept police at bay for approximately six hours firing hundreds of rounds, the S.A. Express- News reported. Eventually, the violent stand off came to an end when the gunman reportedly took his own life.

Ask any police officer and he or she will tell you that family disturbance calls often may pose more of a danger than other types of disturbances. So, in that sense, the Vargas incident, as dangerous and as chaotic as it turned out, very much followed the norm. What goes unanswered is the fact that Andres Vargas had a history of domestic violence and failure to stop him earlier led to the shootout of September 8.

Two days before the incident, Vargas used the same assault rifle on an attempt on his ex-wife. That, in fact, led to the issue of the arrest order. The S.A. Express-News reports, however, that the signs of violence were there long before the shootings occurred. Vargas violated protective orders a number of times -- three times in a period of two weeks -- and reports by ex-wife Bonnie, although recorded, did not lead to arrests. It was only the fourth report, where an attempt was literally made on her life, that the case took a turn.

Understandably, it is difficult to make a call as to when an individual is infringing on someone else’s rights or welfare. But, protective orders are issued specifically for the protection of people given threats or a history preceding the order.

But want to hear one even better. Just take the case of a woman, any woman, trying to make a case for a protective order on an abusive former spouse or partner. Slashed tires, phone calls in the middle of the night, stalking -- none of it seems to matter as long as the spouse denies it. It’s literally her word against his. And corroborating witnesses don’t seem to matter.

Too many times I have seen women terrorized by former abusive partners and simply feel powerless given the response (or lack of) from the judicial system. A former employee of mine confided that in seeking a restraining order she informed the officer of the court of threats made against her, but was told that nothing could be done unless some act of physical harm actually occurred. Poor consolation.

The state of Texas passed a law against stalking in 1993. This was later amended after it was declared unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court. Yet, to date, proving harassment or an act of stalking very much falls on the victim. And this is unfortunate. We should not wait until a tragedy occurs, as it did in San Antonio, before we offer protection from an abusive spouse. If the signs are there the law should act. Waiting for the proof may just prove too late.

Comments

[payday loan canada]

Political leaders at all levels increasingly consider domestic violence a top policy priority. This provides an important opportunity to press for even more improvements in our society's response to battering. Because women and children continue to suffer injury and death every day, we must continue our struggle for an end to domestic violence.

Post Courtesy of Focus Financial Inc.
Professional Blogging Team
Focus Financial Inc.
3641 Kingsway,
Vancouver, BC, V5R 5M1
Tel: (604) 439-7667 Fax: (604) 439-7664
Website: http://www.focuscashloans.com

[Natalie Pena]

Freedom of speech allows for everyone to speak their mind. Unfortunately, many people tell lies. As previous posting by others will prove my point. Sheriff Martin Cuellar does not release anyone who commits a crime for $15. However, he does follow procedures for their release. I know that for a fact. I had a friend that was charged for slapping his wife. He went to jail and I called the Sheriff for information. He explained procedures fully and proper measures were taken to release him. Of course, we had to hire an attorney. The sheriff never made any suggestion to just release him without following procedures. Nor did I expect him to. Unfortunately, for my friend who was arrested, his wife wrote a letter to the DA's office that charges should be dropped because the incident did not happen. Everyone who is close to my friend has warned him about that crazy woman. Now, he is convinced. It is so sad that there are women who do need the protection and other women just lie to get back at their boyfiend or husband. Sheriff Cuellar keep up the excellent job!

[Tiffany]

You should consider networking with the moms in the bizymoms Laredo community.

[Jonathan Guzman]

I just heard that they are not releasing people and that the jail is overcrowded. I just heard on pro 8 news that sheriff martin cuellar is turning away federal inmates because the jail is packed. If you are turning away federal inmates why did my neighbor got release for "smacking" his wife around a few hours later. Later, he told me that Capt. Garcia from the sheriff's department approved the release. This is the second time for assault. And this just happen this 4th of July. I wonder if Martin Cuellar will approve a release if someone smacked around one of his family members? Yea, turn away federal inmates ... for what purpose? you still release "the other losers". Let's get rid of Sheriff Martin Cuellar and his brother Henry ... they are full of it. Martin "Mentiras" Cuellar. You are right Robert, One term for every politician!

[Robert J Salazar]

Hell, yea!

What do you think LPD Chief Maldonado thinks after his officers are out busting their b***s arresting people for crimes, while Sheriff Martin Cuellar and Judge Rangel and the Judge Liendo are there getting these guys out a few hours later?

I'm with you!

I think Sheriff Martin Cuellar should step up to the plate and play hard ball with the criminals ... if not ... I'll ask him personally to resign!

As for the judges? Judge Rangel and the Liendo's need to go?

a couple of beers is okay ... but these drunken turkeys don't belong in office!

Speak up and get them out!!

[Joe Rodriguez]

Domestic Violence is a high priority, no doubt about that! You think the law is there to protect you, you are obviously wrong. Laws won't protect you when the individual goes to jail and Sheriff Martin Cuellar releases then back on the street for only $15. Any "dummy" can post their friend or loved one out of jail without using a bail bond company. State law says that the sheriff and magistrate can release someone on bond only with the proper procedure and in most cases, they can not! This is being ignored. When The so- called True Texas Lawman releases individuals accused of crimes to just anyone... there is going to be repercussions. How would you feel if someone stole from you and then Sheriff Martin Cuellar releases them hours later to a friend of the inmate? But the jail is full they say? That's not our problem! Take care of the problem, I say! Bad politicians = Bad money management!

Sheriff Martin Cuellar and his administration think that keeping up with jail standards is more important than victims of crime.

I'm telling you ... I won't vote for the same guy again, if he's not taking the necessary steps and procedures to keep our community safe.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar has released people charged with Assault Domestic Violence, Theft, Robbery, Possession of drugs and fraud!

The county pre-trial services have done the same.

Jp Rangel and JP Liendos do this on a constant basis.

Why would you vote in favor of ignorance?

You decide what's right.
The victim of a crime or Sheriff Martin Cuellar good image?

Call the Sheriff and ask him? Why does he let out people without the proper procedure? Does the sheriff monitor those he approves on signature?

I guess its time to take notes ... One term for every politician!

[Joe Rodriguez]

Domestic Violence is a high priority, no doubt about that! You think the law is there to protect you, you are obviously wrong. Laws won't protect you when the individual goes to jail and Sheriff Martin Cuellar releases then back on the street for only $15. Any "dummy" can post their friend or loved one out of jail without using a bail bond company. State law says that the sheriff and magistrate can release someone on bond only with the proper procedure and in most cases, they can not! This is being ignored. When The so- called True Texas Lawman releases individuals accused of crimes to just anyone... there is going to be repercussions. How would you feel if someone stole from you and then Sheriff Martin Cuellar releases them hours later to a friend of the inmate? But the jail is full they say? That's not our problem! Take care of the problem, I say! Bad politicians = Bad money management!

Sheriff Martin Cuellar and his administration think that keeping up with jail standards is more important than victims of crime.

I'm telling you ... I won't vote for the same guy again, if he's not taking the necessary steps and procedures to keep our community safe.

Sheriff Martin Cuellar has released people charged with Assault Domestic Violence, Theft, Robbery, Possession of drugs and fraud!

The county pre-trial services have done the same.

Jp Rangel and JP Liendos do this on a constant basis.

Why would you vote in favor of ignorance?

You decide what's right.
The victim of a crime or Sheriff Martin Cuellar good image?

Call the Sheriff and ask him? Why does he let out people without the proper procedure? Does the sheriff monitor those he approves on signature?

I guess its time to take notes ... One term for every politician!