County and city officials hope new measures will prevent abuse, save lives
By Cara | September 29, 2009
via St. Louis Beacon
This hit home to me while talking to 8th ward resident Courtney Butler, who took care of Melissa Amerson’s children. Melissa was shot 3 times in the back by her ex-boyfriend while buckling her children in her van. He then killed himself in front of his children. She had obtained a temporary Order of Protection and hadn’t received the full writ yet. — Cara
If a piece of paper won’t prevent abusers from hurting and killing their partners, maybe the threat of jail will. That’s the goal of St. Louis County Circuit Court Judge Michael Burton, who’s organized a special four-judge Domestic Violence Court. Later this fall, Burton will be one of two judges who will hear only motions of contempt involving orders of protection.
“This is something that will be pretty significant in addressing repeat offenders. I’m hoping it will make a big difference,” Burton said.
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