Support for AB 1771: Myra Spearman a survivor's point of view

Myra Spearman, a past survivor of domestic violence knows first hand how difficult it is for victims to become survivors. She asked me to share her thoughts on why she is supporting California AB 1771 Nadga's law which many refer to as the "Domestic Violence Database bill".

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My name is Myra Spearman, I am a victim of domestic violence and I have created the 1st "NATIONAL DATABASE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ABUSERS". http://www.domesticviolencedatabase.org/

This database may be viewed by the general public. It serves as a public awareness and prevention tool to assist in the Fight Against Domestic Violence. It is not a CURE, but it’s a DAMN' GOOD START!!!!

HERE ARE MY THOUGHT’S PERTAINING TO THE OPPOSITION OF CA AB 1771

1.) “Victim’s would not be in the database” These are individuals that have been, "Tried and Convicted" in a Court of Law. We (this bill) has not passed judgment upon them- a jury of their peers did in a court of law right here in the United States of America. If anyone has been wrongly convicted, then they have the same rights of appeal as anyone else in our nation. Those wrongly convicted in this situation may actually have stronger grounds for appeal now with the database than they ever did before!

2). “False Sense of Security” We know this, Law Enforcement will make an arrest even if the victim’s doesn't want to press charges in some cases –not all.

Are all abusers arrested and prosecuted? Absolutely NOT... Are all Sex Offenders arrested and prosecuted? NO...Does Megan's Law provide a "False Sense of Security"? I think you can understand what I am saying here.

Are any of us that ignorant to believe that all of the sex offenders in the country are listed in the sex offender's registry? We know that not all domestic abusers will be listed in the database; however, some method of prevention is better than none which is what we have now.

AB 1771 will deter domestic violence which is better than what we have now, as with the rising numbers of domestic violence cases in our nation something is always better than nothing!

Domestic Violence prevention is a "work in progress" we have to start somewhere. I think this bill is better than keeping our heads in the sand.

I think that if we are thinking about “offending the abuser”, we need to have our heads examined!

Violence should not be tolerated! Opposing this bill -especially when the opposition consists of the many organizations that claim to be “domestic violence victim support agencies” is hard for victims like me and my family to take. Whose side are the domestic violence organizations on anyway?

Why wouldn't an Apartment Manager want to know if there is an abuser living in their complex? Why wouldn’t my daughter, sister or brother want to know about a person’s violent background before they marry or get involved with them? This is not a new concept - as “self-help” is something that has been part of the American way since the inception of our constitution.

Domestic violence is destructive and malicious behavior that results in most of the disturbance and security calls that take place at apartment complexes and residences. Domestic violence is also the catalyst for millions of calls each year responded to by law enforcement that occur in the work place of millions of American’s each year. We have to stop this cycle-this is a start.

Do the math...prevention is a better solution than housing abusers in our nation’s overcrowded prisons with "our" tax dollars- and it is better for our citizens not to fall victim to domestic abuse- as the bruises and broken bones may heal, but the emotional scars never do! Identifying our loves ones bodies at the morgue is not a valid solution either.

I SUPPORT CA AB 1771 AND YOU SHOULD TOO!

Myra Spearman, President & Founder
The Weaker Vessel Inc.http://www.domesticviolencedatabase.org/

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