The fact is that greater containment of high risk abusers is needed. Unfortunately, no one seems to believe that a person can be held on "high bail" simply because he held his family hostage and threatened them with a firearm. Many believe there is a disconnect between the judiciary and the bail system. The June 2011 case in Maine culminated after the abuser was released from jail on $ 2000 dollars bail. After his death the money was returned to his family. Some district attorneys have tried to withhold bail money when the defendant fails to appear in court due to death by suicide after DVH. For many this seemed like a draconian response to families who were in pain.
What can be done to assure greater containment?
A Domestic Violence review panel conducted in June 2011 concluded that “there is nothing society can do for a despondent, abusive spouse whose obsession overrides the norms of society – even his will to live”. If we believe this then we will erroneously surrender any creativity in domestic violence prevention and harm reduction. When high ranking prosecutors say DVH cannot be prevented society is cheated out of taking steps toward containment of those who may violate protection from abuse orders. Lois Reckitt, executive director of Family Crisis Services in Cape Elizabeth, ME is quoted as saying that the wrong people are in jail when violence-prone abusers are released from custody to stalk and terrorize their family, as was the case in the Dexter, Maine tragedy. Containment and harm reduction should be the focus of the legal system and social service agencies alike. The judiciary and political machinery in states throughout America must speak out about protecting victims and families and not say there is nothing that can be done to stop DVH.
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