Shortcomings of a system; Victims being failed daily

Dear Editor,

I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this correspondence. I am hoping to find some help in drawing attention to my situation, and in turn, countless others as well.

I recently went through a divorce following a domestic assault incident in July 2023.

My ex-husband was initially incarcerated for approximately 5 1/2 months (after credit for good behavior was applied) and was released in December 2023.

NINE DAYS later, I had to obtain a PPO against him due to threats made through text messages and on social media.

That initial PPO has since been extended TWICE (so far) due to his repeated violations of the order.

He was incarcerated again May to July 2024, when he was allowed a “sentence reduction” and was released early.

That incarceration was for his first and second violations, the first having been held in abeyance until the second one occurred.

TWO DAYS after his early release, he violated again; his 3rd. A violation report was filed, and a hearing date was set.

Before we could get to the hearing, he violated for the 4th time.

A bench warrant was issued and he was picked up and held until the hearing, one week later.

He was sentenced to 93 days for each violation, to run concurrently. He was released in late November, again due to “good behavior” credit.

Last week, he violated for the 5th time. Another report filed, and another bench warrant issued.

I was told by the PPO office to let local law enforcement know about the warrant so they could pick him up.

When I contacted Capac PD, they told me they didn’t see the warrant in the system. This morning (January 28), I called the PPO office again, and they refaxed the information.

I then spoke to Capac PD and was told it would have to wait until they crossed paths with him, due to lack of manpower, and the fact that they won’t go without backup since they have knowledge of my ex, and the fact that he will most likely be drunk and belligerent.

My response was, “So I am left vulnerable because he might be a danger when you approach him??”

My point being, this system, where people are relying on the law and the courts to keep them safe, are being left extremely vulnerable, and the victims are not able to move on with their lives due to the continued harassment from their abusers. It’s not right.

I’d love to speak to someone about this and shed some light on the shortcomings of a system designed to supposedly help. The victims are being failed, daily.

— Christine True
Berlin Twp.