Making History Takes Time
March 3, 2010
A dear friend and wise woman gave me this sage advice many years ago as I expressed my frustration with how long it is taking to reduce and ultimately end domestic violence. I often use this as a mantra when I see our reception area fill up on a daily basis. I have been working with the issue of domestic violence since April 1985. When I began, it was legal to beat your wife/partner with impunity in over half the states in this country. It is now illegal in all states. All states have some form of restraining order system and emergency shelters. Some might argue that these efforts represent band-aids, not remedies. I would not disagree.
However, one way to gauge progress is in the public’s tolerance for domestic violence. This past weekend the New York Times broke a news story about New York Governor David Patterson. Apparently and allegedly, the governor instructed staff to intervene in a domestic violence case where one of his closest aides allegedly physically abused his girlfriend. The Governor himself also intervened. The victim did not present in court some say because of the governor’s intervention on behalf of the perpetrator several times including the night before court.
In December 2009, New York State Senator Hiram Monserrate was convicted of domestic violence after a video found him dragging his girlfriend out of their apartment. Allegedly, he cut her face with a knife requiring 20 stitches. Both incidents caused uproars calling for resignations. Ten years ago, silence would prevail. Twenty years ago, both abusers would have been told to take a walk around the block and cool off. The victims would have received lectures from law enforcement instructing them to be better partners. Both instances demonstrate what we already know, that domestic violence happens in every corner of our society – the rich, poor, middle class; unemployed, blue collar, white collar and yes, even in political circles.
I applaud New York City law enforcement for their diligence in arresting the senator. I also commend the informant at the New York Times regarding the Governor’s involvement in the cover up. Maybe, the “good ole boys systems” that collude with batterers and hide these heinous crimes is dissolving. Maybe domestic violence is newsworthy. Maybe the systems put in place a couple of decades ago worked–two careers may be lost as consequences of their involvement in domestic violence incidents.
Granted, I’m not naïve. Political opportunists will use any tool to unseat their opponent. They may even go home and hurt their own partner after giving a searing and public rebuke of the offending one’s bad deed. Somehow, though I will take this as progress. At least our issue is worth using as a political ping-pong ball. There was a time in our not-too-distant past where this issue would not have even raised an eyebrow. Making history does indeed take time but I think we are seeing history in the making.
Justice Prevailed Today
February 22,2010
Today was a good day for justice. Today was a good day for the Schipsi family, relatives, friends and the Santa Clara community. It could not have come soon enough. Fragile hearts were on the line. Today the judge ruled on whether to allow Bulos (Paul) Zumont to post bail. He has been charged with the first-degree murder of Jennifer Schipsi, a warm, generous and loving woman whose life was cut down in a violent act. Today, the prosecutor revealed a small glimpse into the kind of man that is on trial for the murder of Jennifer.
Today we found out that Paul was arrested and convicted of a domestic violence related offense in Washington State in 1994. While in CA, Paul added another two convictions for domestic violence related crimes against Jennifer. In fact, he was on probation for domestic violence at the time of Jennifer’s murder. We also learned that police found the human growth hormone in his home during the search of his property. By his own admission, Paul was using the drug. This drug is known to cause aggressive behavior. Today we were reminded that domestic violence breeds in families. While on the stand testifying in Paul’s defense, his sister acknowledged being a victim of domestic violence. I sensed it was something that slipped out. She blurted it out in the context of domestic violence not being a “big deal”.
I felt great sadness for this woman. Even at this point in our history, some women and men continue to hold on to the notion that domestic violence is part of life, “no big deal”. It’s a no big deal that robs a person of her soul, her spirit and chips away at her ability to believe in anyone ever again. It strips a person of trust and joy. Yet, it’s no big deal. Some small good could come from this horrible ordeal. Perhaps Paul’s sister will find that domestic violence is a big deal, that no one should have to live a life in fear of another human being. It is unacceptable and people who beat up other people in the name of love must be held accountable and face consequences.
Perhaps if when Paul hurt Jennifer the first time, his family would have expressed their disapproval and refused to collude with Paul, perhaps we would not need to sit in this courtroom. If when he turned to them for protection, they would have said, no you must face the consequences. We will still love you but you must stop this behavior.
Today I witnessed the connection between his family’s tacit approval of his prior bad behavior and his action in court. While sitting down at the defense table, Paul raised his middle finger in an offensive gesture directed at the mother of the slain victim. He smirked. Does Paul believe he will never face consequences; that he can walk through life shredding the lives of others and not pay for his deeds? Is that what he learned from his family?
If so, today Paul had a rude awakening. Today the judge denied his bail request. Today, justice was served and it’s just the beginning. If you would like to attend hearings and support the Schipsi family, please email me at kkrenek@nextdoor.org.