I think this is clearly a case of *ignorance* in DV, for the family, friends, and the church.
I hope this case may be a catalyst in the awareness of DV, to any church, and especially the women who partake.
People have learned through this that to "coddle" someone who has refused to show any honorable character in something so horrific, is senseless. The only thing we can hold in after thought to this is that the children have not been harmed and anything to "help" Josh as far as moving, etc could have been done to lessen the strain on his obvious psychological handling of the children. Even though we all agree the children are still in danger of this, at least they are closer to Susan's family while they pursue for custody. While not the best of situations, don't you think besides LE knowing every move he makes, the neighbors, and every person with a grain of concern, in Puyallup, for children are watching him and his disturbed family? I know if I lived in that neighborhood, I'd be taking food over there as a "good" jester or anything just to let them feel that there were people "concerned" and keeping an eye on things.
The whole problem is the TITLE some nit wit came up for this scenario: Domestic Violence!
The following acts are NOT violent:
A husband forcing his wife to grow a vegetable garden if she wants to feed her family vegetables
A husband not allowing the wife to use the family vehicle whenever she desires
A husband changing the pin number on the family bank account
A husband not allowing the wife to use the computer
A husband bribing the children with cake in an attempt to get them to not go to church
A husband making his wife ride 14 miles round trip on a bike to and from work
A husband not allowing his wife to purchase the groceries she wants to buy
A husband not allowing his wife to have her own vehicle
A husband getting the children out of bed at night by saying, "Your mommy is so mean. Come get out of bed!"
In California, it is a FELONY for a husband to NOT allow the wife to use the telephone to call 911~!! Yet, that isn't an act of violence. So, women who are mislead into thinking VIOLENCE has to occur for them to be a victim (under the terms set forth as considered abusive under Domestic Violence) will NOT realize she is a victim of DOMESTIC CONTROL.
People associate the word ABUSE with VIOLENCE.
Some people have the misconception that the police and social workers cannot be called when DOMESTIC CONTROL occurs when in fact this is NOT the case. Social workers and law enforcement officers are specifically trained to recognize the symptoms of DOMESTIC CONTROL and upon hearing someone describe the acts as listed above, would in fact realize this woman was in a very dangerous situation. As mandated reporters, they would be required to file a report which would result in a follow up investigation by the department of children's services during which the wife (victim) and children would be questioned and, based on the outcome of the investigation, advice would be given to the woman as to what she should do!
Of course you do NOT call 911 and say: "I'd like to report my neighbor's husband is making her ride her bike 14 miles round trip to and from work because he's mad at her and won't let her drive the family van!" Instead, you telephone on the business line and ask that an officer call you (or) call the department of children's services and ask to speak to a social worker during which time you express your many concerns in detail. Upon hearing such a report, a police officer would be required to either make a home visit or report your information to the department of social services. Upon receiving such a report, the department of children's services is required by law to investigate the matter.
The syndrome should NOT be called Domestic Violence as it is commonly referred to. It should be called DOMESTIC CONTROL!
When people talk about starting a foundation to make people aware of domestic violence, they are continuing to promote the misconception that there has to be VIOLENCE involved!
Suddenly, because there was one incident of violence, now Susan was a victim of Domestic Violence, according to the term.
The fact is, Susan was a victim of DOMESTIC CONTROL~!!!
Awareness about domestic violence is already out there. What about awareness of DOMESTIC CONTROL?
Women already know that it is illegal for a husband to be violent, to hit, push, choke, slap, pull hair, etc.
What women need to be made aware of is that DOMESTIC CONTROL is NOT acceptable!