Remembering Kathleen Savio a Casualty in the War of Officer Related Intimate Partner Homicide

Two young boys, ages nine and eleven, lost their loving mother Kathleen Savio on March 1, 2004. Her death was an accident, they were told. Seven years ago today, in my opinion, she was murdered.

Never again will their mother greet the boys in the morning when they wake. In the afternoon when they return home from school, Mom will not be waiting for her boys. She will never again ask either of her sons "How was your day at school?" She will not be in the kitchen preparing dinner while they do their homework.

And Mom will no longer kiss them on the cheek, wishing each of her boys sweet dreams, as she had done thousands of nights.

I realize the photo's from the crime scene when Kathleen Savio's body was found will never be released and kept under seal from the public. For three reasons:

1st-If you saw these particular photo's you would know by viewing them that she was beaten. Brusises covered her back, torso, arms, shoulders, stomach and legs. From the naked eye there was no doubt this was not an accident, Kathleen Savio was murdered.

2nd- The way her body was positioned in the tub is something commonly taught at the police academy, dipicting a staged crime scene.

3rd-Those investigators who looked away by not documenting her murder, thinking they were doing their fellow buddy in blue a favor, caused the killing of yet another innocent victim of war Stacy Peterson.

I for one would like the names of these so called investigators along with former State's Attorney Tomczak to be gathered together for a formal Senate investigation hearing for the "war on intimate partner homicide." I realize it will do nothing to give Stacy Peterson, who vanished on October 28, 2007 and is still a missing person. or Kathleen Savio whom Peterson is now awaiting trial for her murder back their lives. But it will do so much to prevent future casualities in this war. Peterson is a social and psychotic nightmare of the worst kind, and we can learn a great deal in talking, reviewing, analyzing and finally implementing procedures many on the book "Time's Up," proven to be effective saving lives while addressing what has and hasn't happened since the murders of these two women.

If law enforcement and the legal system had done their jobs back in 2002, when Kathleen Savio asked for help, perhaps she would still be alive today. At the very minimum had those on the crime scene conducted their investigation properly, Drew Peterson would have been arrested for her murder.

We mark the anniversary of her death as a way to sound the sirens for justice to those married to law enforcement officers whom fight to the end, silenced by a system where the brotherhood of the badge continues to send innocent women to their graves.

Kathleen Savio deserved so much more, may she rest in peace.

One day the legal system will embrace the messenger utilizing proven strategies and implement the prescription for change that will enforce the laws while at the same reducing the number of murders without anyone's ego getting bruised. As always, and in confidence, I can be contacted via email at murphymilano@gmail.com

Evidentiary Abuse Affidavit by Susan Murphy Milano from the Book "Time's Up" from Courage Network on Vimeo.

Susan Murphy Milano is with the Institute for Relational Harm Reduction and Public Pathology Education. She is an expert on intimate partner violence and homicide crimes. For more information visithttp://www.saferelationshipsmagazine.com/ She is also in partnership with Pamela Chapman and iAscend Programs. http://pamelachapmanl.biz Susan is the author of "Time's Up A Guide on How to Leave and SurviveAbusive and Stalking Relationships," available for purchase at the Institute, Amazon.com and wherever books are sold. Susan is the host of The Susan Murphy Milano Show, "Time's Up!" on Here Women Talkhttp://www.herewomentalk.com/and is a regular contributor to the nationally syndicated The Roth Show with Dr Laurie Roth

Waving Goodbye to Denise Pauly

It is a small town where people wave and say hello because they know you by sight and name. On Saturday in Burlington Kentucky, Denise Pauly, 40 would no longer be around to wave at her neighbors. She was not going to pick up her children at her mother’s home after work.

Early on Saturday morning when Denise did not arrive at her place of employment her employer and co-workers panicked. Something was wrong.

The store where she worked contacted the sheriff’s office because Denise’s estranged husband was violent and had been stalking and threatening her life. The call immediately set off a search in this small community. And like so many small town communities across the country they are not trained to properly handle dangerous violent crimes. Many of the small town police departments receive no more than 5 hours of training during their entire career as police offices in the area of preventing intimate partner homicide.

Denise was taken hostage by her husband early that morning where he held her against her will for several hours in the woods. According to a call I received within 24 hours of the incident, police failed to get out of their police cruisers and help Denise Pauly. The witness said they saw officers who just sat in their cars and did nothing to save her. Early Saturday afternoon a shot rang out and Denise was killed instantly. Seconds later another shot went off inside the woods. Dean Pauly was found with a gunshot wound to the head he died the following day.

 
The children ages 5, 9 and 14 now orphans will not be celebrating the fourth of July holiday with their mother eating hot dogs and potato salad. They will not walk in the town parade carrying flags and dancing to the beat of the marching bands. Instead the children will be attending their mothers wake and funeral.

For the remainder of these children’s lives the 4th of July holiday will arrive like an unwelcomed guest. And maybe when they are old enough to undstand what happened that afternoon someone can explain to the children why the police sat on their respective behinds and did nothing to save their mother.

"The Battle Cry"

Victims of intimate partner violence ,and those killed by a person’s rage for the sake of argument, is invisible in the eyes of society. We each understand, as we read about tragic cases in the news, that the epidemic exists, but it does not have a voice or a face — because the media places victims lives in the "unimportant category box." Unless a case is filled with a rapid fire of interest like Drew Peterson ,who, in my opinion, might as well have two heads. My less than favorite "dickless wonder" only gained national attention because he was a cop and two wives met their tragic end by this "clever like a fox" individual guarding and controlling his domain, in my opinion, as only a serial abuser knows how to accomplish.

There have been few cases of late that have reached the level of coverage since the Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman murders. The death toll in this war on intimate partner homicide has risen considerably since the OJ trial and the media coverage has been nothing more than a brief burp.

 I could count the Laci Peterson murder and the death of her unborn son, but the coverage was in large part due to her mother who jumped and shouted from every roof top until the media covered the story. Laci Peterson's death was only covered because it was filled with tabloid type juicy twists and turns, when it should have received attention solely based on the fact that an innocent woman and mother-to-be lost her lost her life to war in battle due to a husband's rage.

For the thousands of other causalities whose "battle cry" has never been heard their lives must have more importance then a one liner on a grave marker.

Media coverage, other than sites such as Websleuths posting cases, or a grieving family member starting a web page in memory of their loved one, or on a Facebook page asking for information from the public in hopes of keeping interest on an unsolved case alive in hopes someone will listen, simply will fade away as if the casualty of war never existed in the first place. The unnamed soldier of war at least has a place in which to be counted and is remembered. Each year the President of the United States places a wreath on the tomb in honor the unknown soldier.

The war in the home is not a recognized battle, yet it should be. A victim cannot fight without having the necessary training and tools in order to survive. At a minimum it would require our legal system to handle cases of violence in the home as though they are positioned on the battlefield of war. From divorce to child custody, court orders of protection, to the general handing down the orders to their troops.

This is not a game. It is a real life battle involving families, children, mothers and fathers.

"Battle Cry" will work towards creating that voice for accountability and change how these cases are handled, investigated, and ultimately portrayed. Obviously, I can not do this alone. I need your help. Heed the call and join the cry..."The Battle Cry."

Email us with your interest to participate at MurphyMilano@gmail.com

Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, "TIME'S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS

W.T.F.

In case you missed this post over on the Time's Up Blog it is definately worth repeating. I hope you will consider spreading this important message on every social network on the Internet and other sites like facebook, blogs send it to the media and let those voices silenced, be finally heard. My mother who was a victim in this war of intimate partner homicide taught me prior to her murder at the hands of my father, "if you believe it, own it, if you own it, it will be so." Help me make it happen. Thank you!

As I sip my coffee with cream, pecking away on my computer, reading the bloodshed in the headlines, I am split between those whom you will never read about because they got out of their abusive and violent relationships, and those whose permanent residence is now in a cemetery, their violent lives marked by a single headstone tablet coldly displaying the name, date of birth through the date they died.

There are many mothers and their children who are living their lives without violence because they had a plan to get out of their toxic and abusive relationship. Some enlisted an army of friends, neighbors and relatives, others, by shear will and determination, got out, but you will not ever read about them, they are safe. Some packed their bags and made a new life for themselves across country, others did not stray very far from familiar territory and yet were still able to rebuild their lives.

So why are we seeing bloodshed at epidemic proportions? What are those victims who are being killed doing wrong? And what are those who remain alive doing correctly?

Are the women who are murdered along with their children assisted by a society of pure ignorance when it pertains to domestic violence and intimate partner homicide? Look around folks, you cannot pick up a paper or turn on the news without hearing how another woman was murdered by someone they new intimately. You can't help but read nasty comments on the internet, not from strangers, but, often by friends and realtives who knew both the victim and the abuser, trying to defend the actions of a cold blooded killer, and blaming a victim because she filed for divorce or took the children. Has anyone ever asked the question, "why?" Or is it easier to turn our backs and call victims liars or drama queens even after they or their innocent children are murdered? The phrase "shame on you" (I have a different phase more along the lines W.T.F. but I cannot use it here) to all Americans comes to mind especially when I know in 80% of these tragedies the victims did not have to die. They would still be alive if not for human ignorance. I do not have enough posts to list all those who are dead, but, if I did, it would surpass those killed in both the Vietnam and Iraq war combined.

American soldiers are properly trained and given weapons as they fight and go into battle for our country. Victims of violence during their battle are often given little more then lip service from the legal system and society.

For those who got out of the stalking and domestic violence relationships, do not think for one minute they have or had it easy. These victims swallowed their dose of being beaten and raped within an inch of their lives, not knowing from one moment to the next what their abuser or former partner was going to do to them or their children. Somehow they made it through to see a new sunrise the next morning, and many began, after the beatings and verbal threats against them, a plan to exist in their toxic environments with their lives. It was not easy as many of these women who came and tried before them did not make it and let's remember where those victims are, dead. But, many abuse victims who are now alive had help, be it a shelter for women, a church, an attorney who took favor on them representing them in their divorce or custody case for little or no charge. Or in some situations, they were able to get hold of advocates like me.

With all my heart and soul I would like to believe that someone is listening, maybe even Oprah Winfrey. Let us show the world thay someone cares about the number of murders wreaking havoc in America on the lives of innocent victims of violence, not always women, men too, and are ready to be part of a revolution demanding that the victims of this war be given a level playing field to fight and stay alive. I, for one, am tired of singing in a choir where the lives of victims murdered out weighs the millions of Americans' who are able to be a voice and sing loudly for effective change.


Been there, done that…” Susan Murphy- Milano has turned a tired phrase into demonstrable realism through the gift of her newly published book, "TIME'S UP: A GUIDE ON HOW TO LEAVE AND SURVIVE ABUSIVE AND STALKING RELATIONSHIPS

Ignoring Justice

The trial for Drew Peterson has been set for June 14, 2010. My less then favorite dickless wonder will finally stand trial for the murder of his third wife Kathleen Savio. In my opinion, the trial will be a tough road for prosecutors. Many mistakes were made from the beginning with the Bolingbrook police department while she was alive. Kathleen Savio fought an uphill battle for help as a victim of abuse. Under the old Will County administration domestic violence was treated with blatant disregard. Victims similar to Kathleen were literally kicked out of the courthouse and onto the streets.
State’s Attorney James Glasgow has been picking up the mess of mishandled cases left by the previous administration under the reign of former Will County State’s attorney Tomzak since he took office.

lf there was ever a blatant disregard for the life and safety of an abuse victim, it was Kathleen Savio. When her body was discovered in an empty bathtub on March 1, 2004, it marked failure by a legal system sworn to uphold justice and victory for an abuser whom 3 ½ years later in my opinion, would kill again.

When the trial begins in June the courthouse steps will be lined with camera crews and reporters covering the case. The local and cable news stations will be providing viewers with a blow by blow account of every remark, snicker, sneeze and free give-a-ways from chicken wings to personalized pens to those who get the correct camera angle of the shiny and just manicured legal defense attorney representing his client.

Now a Prosecuting States Attorney will attempt to seek justice for a victim of police involved domestic violence who lost her life back in 2004, in the very system that ultimately caused her death.

Ashley Ann Sullivan: Another Tragedy

Ashley obtained a court order of protection because her former boyfriend was violent from a Michigan court in December. Four days before Christmas Shaun Eric Haugen who had a no-contact order prohibiting any contact with Ashley from the court was re-arrested for violating the very judge's order that was 'suppose" to protect her on January 5, 2010.

On January 14, 2010, Haugen was released from jail, again. All authorties could do was warn Ashley this human trash was being released onto the streets. Just hours before the slaughter Shaun wrote one final entry on his face book page " Hey I need to say goodbye..hurt is too much to bear. " Within an hour after that final entry on Sunday morning, January 17, 2010, he broke into a home where Ashley Sullivan was living. He killed her and her step-father before turning the gun on himself.

Ashley Sullivan did everything in her power to keep this violent criminal away from her by filing police reports, having him arrested and obtaining a court order of protection.

How are women like Ashley suppose to be safe when another persons rage and control cannot be bound by a piece of worthless paper? Yes, in my opinion an order of protection will not prevent murder. And in many cases it will only enrage the abuser to beat, rape, hold hostage, torture and murder the person with whom has ended the relationship.
How did this man have access to weapons? Why didn't police obtain a search warrant and look for weapons in his home? Did he have a foid card for the weapon he used? Did others know he had guns? Did anyone think to place a GPS monitoring device on this bozo the first time he violated the court order?

We will likely never know because those who could speak have been forever silenced.

Family and friends have created a tribute to Ashley Ann Sullivan, age 25, on HERE on face book.

Michelle Phelan: Manipulation "101" By the Courts and a Police Officer

It is not easy these days to be married to an abuser that also happens to be a police officer. A 13-year marriage layered with a strategic game of power, control and manipulation.

At the start of the divorce Michelle became medically disabled, unable to attend the majority of court proceedings. She also lost two lawyers both of whom were unable to effectively deal with the abusive legal tactics allowed by the courts.

She contacted one attorney after another explaining her situation and that her husband was a police officer. Because of the ongoing abuse, custody, and the fact Michelle had no financial ability to hire and pay an attorney, she was told no one would take her case.

Each time she would contact the police department, [where her husband was also employed] after she was allegedly threatened or physically assaulted, fellow officers would arrive at the marital home often taunting her while ignoring Michelle's plea for help by writing a favorable police report on behalf of her husband indicating he was the victim and she was the abuser. He even went so far, in my opinion, as to falsely obtain a court order of protection against Michelle that was later dropped, a common theme often used by an alleged abuser.

Over the summer of 2009 her serious and near fatal medical needs were not being met. Her police officer husband had removed Michelle from his medical coverage and she had no money or transportation to seek proper medical assistance.

In June of 2009, with a written doctor’s note to be excused from the court proceedings, the judge refused to listen or take into consideration her condition ordering Michelle to appear in his courtroom. It was obvious Judge Robert J. Baron wanted the case over and off his court docket.

The couple also has a young child. Over the summer, although the court appointed child evaluator in the case wrote about abuse issues and manipulation by the father, custody was awarded to him because, according to the report, Michelle Phelan was unable at the time to take care of her son due to her illness and because she did not have ten cents to her name. That was the straw that nearly broke her, the removal of her son, by the courts. This is very common among women in abusive relationships.

In September of 2009, a miracle occurred when Michelle Phelan got an attorney to finally take her case just days before she would have been forced into an agreement that could have left her financially bone dry, without custody, and unable to have a relationship with her child.

Now Attorney Jennifer C. Weiss from Chicago is representing Michelle Phelan in her Will County divorce case. This also happens to be the second home and courthouse of Drew Peterson whom divorced his then wife Kathleen Savio, and you know where she tragically wound up--dead!


Beginning today, in courtroom 312, Judge Robert J. Baron will preside over the remaining few days of the divorce trial. Since the case was initially filed, in my opinion, the abusive legal maneuvers, threats and tactics used in this divorce case and against Michelle Phelan must cease.

Michelle is first and foremost a mother. That is something that no one can ever take away from her. Most of the women I assist would either no longer be standing, barely alive or killed.

When a police force is sworn to serve and protect and they refuse to enforce the law with one of their own, what does that say to the citizens of Lockport, Illinois? How many other abuse victims have been denied assistance?

The legal system was created to provide fair and impartial justice, but not for victims of violence who are being kicked back onto to the streets, their home and children stripped from them all because they refuse to play ball with an abuser. The deck for many battered women is already stacked against them before they ever begin.

We as a society wonder why, after reading the news story that another woman has died often asking ourselves what did "she" do wrong. Or what could have been done to prevent the tragedy?

It is time we elect into office judges and prosecutors who can be accountable to the victims of violence. If we do not demand changes within the courts we can expect the death toll to rise.

Just ask Amy Leichtenberg, she will tell you how and why her two boys Jack and Duncan were murdered.

"Disconnection in the Courtroom"

Continuing this week on Courtside television is the live trial of Juan Mendez whom on July 24, 2006 was charged with second degree murder in the deaths of his wife Whitney Mendez, 19 and mother-in-law Lorena Stone.

Whitney Mendez obtained a court order of protection and the prosecutor played a video tape (before she was murdered) from one of the hearings where Juan Mendez in typical abuser form made accusations against his wife before a judge in an attempt to shift the violence in the home to a story which amounted to nothing more than a pathetic excuse about his actions the day he came into the home and why he got upset with his wife.

What disturbed me about the trial is when I learned friends of Whitney did not come forward for almost a year saying "they were afraid Juan was going to hurt them" or their families. The trial appears to be weighing heavily on "hearsay evidence." Mostly from friends and co-workers whom are on the stand testifying to what Whitney disclosed about the abuse while she was alive. Allegedly, she told those close to her that she was in fear for her life and was not able to leave her abusive husband.

The couple have a young son whom was not harmed and in my opinion spared (because he was a boy) during the gruesome murders. If this was a random act of violence it is likely the child would have also been killed. As I watched Juan Mendez all decked out in a crisp white shirt, suit, and tie his body language told the story of many abusers in a court of law sitting pretty and smug hoping to get away with murder.

What I did not understand is why those close to Whitney Mendez remained silent for so long? Why they did not come forward immediately after learning the news that their friend and her mother were found murdered? Why didn't they go to authorities?

The power that an abuser has over a friend or family member often transfers onto others as in this case and the cycle of intimidation and, of second hand abuse repeats to others. As a receiver of information or a witness to a crime when a person does nothing, they empower the abuser whom ultimately wins.

I was not able to watch the entire trial today, because I didn't have time and frankly, what I viewed was enough to determine this case is clearly in the hands of the jurors. With the stage of the courtroom already set by a well dressed man accused of murder, holding his head high as though he wouldn't stomp a bug with the sole of his shoe and a beaming air of confidence along with a skilled defense team representing him. Unfortunately, the case does not appear to be going all that well for the a prosecutor.

When a prosecutor is unable to connect the facts of a case on behalf of crime victims a disconnect is likely to happen with the jurors. I hope for the lives of these women forever silenced, I am wrong.

Drew Peterson "Morning Roll Call"

The post below is a re-post from December 1, 2007. Please remember Stacy Peterson has not been found. Please keep the family in your prayers as they face another empty place at the holiday table this upcoming holiday season.

MSNBC did a story on cops protecting their own as it relates to the Drew Peterson case. The question also was posted on private police officer message board sites across the country. Here's what Officers in other states posted on these "Officer Only" discussions as it relates to this case: Question was--WORLD MEDIA ASKING: DID FELLOW COPS 'PROTECT' DREW PETERSON?:

Officer Comment: think 18 calls in two years, someone should have seen a pattern. As a patrol deputy I would have. No such thing as professional courtesy when it comes to assaulting a women.
Officer Comment: SOMEBODY HELPED SOMEBODY HERE AND IT MAY HAVE FACILITATED A MURDER. LOTS OF SOUL SEARCHING HERE AND RE-THINKING POLICY INVOLING COPS AND DV.
Officer Comment:Needs to be an internal investigation starting at first line supervisors up the chain. I don't know about Peterson's state but this state is a "Shall Arrest" state when it comes to domestic violence. This is why we had to modify our professional courtesy from the old way of the blue wall of silence.
Officer Comment: Just like N a DUI/DWI situation...professional courtesy isn't doable when there's proof that the officer (brother or sister) is the violator. At the very lesat, the officer's boss is gonna get notified of the situation, but 2B truthful, it would not b fun, but I'd simply make the arrest and take the crap that is sure to follow. If somone above me chooses 2 unarrest the violator, that's something I can't control. But at least I did the job my correctly and conscious will be clear.
Officer Comment: I agree. Michigan is a shall arrest state. Even if it wasn't I would arrest because you do not assault a female.
Officer Comment: there needs to be an internal investigation for sure, but not by anyone on that PD. If they covered up for this guy over and over, they will cover their own asses too.. Need to be the State Police or FBI involved in this case. This woman could still be alove if the officer did their job..and SHE was the only one arrested...and aquitted....HUH..

Officer Comment:Shades of Tracy Thurman in Torrington Conneticut. Stinks

Officer Comment: Makes agency smell real bad REAL BAD !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Officer Comment: What a shocker...this thing smelled like an a-hole being enabled by fellow cops from the beginning. And where were his bosses? In my dept. you would never stayed employed that long, 18 DV calls? Give me a break.
Officer Comment: Sadly, Peterson is a blemish to all of us. 99.9% of cops are just good people trying to do a difficult job. Thank goodness what's news today is history tomorrow.
Officer Comment: I thought of Peterson as a "rogue cop."
One bad apple doesn't spoil the whole Department, but EIGHTEEN CALLS?! Were his coworkers afraid of his temper, too? He killed wives, what makes them think they'd be safe? Was Peterson a tyrant at work, too?

Officer Comment: lots of officer related crimes of late-sooner or later one case would change and pierce the blue wall-too bad it will put all cops under the radar now.

Officer Comment: At least I haven't seen some idiot saying professional courtesy extends to 18 DV CALLS IN TWO YEARS!!!!!!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE AND REALIZE WE ARE HELP TO A HIGHER STANDARD AND SHOULD BE! They really dropped the ball. BTW how does someone drown in a bathtub without the water (i.e. his third wife) WHERE ARE THE RED FLAGS!!!??? 18 CALLS IN 2 YEARS!!!??? Is anyone else as astounded by me that this KILLER was out for this long and being protected?
Officer Comment:
All of you are correct of course. I would be verysurprised to find any other officer on his agency wasinvolved in actually abetting peterson. The problemhere is that "blue wall of silence", that "sense of entitlement" a very few have and the reluctance, evenrefusal of some to breach that wall, however egregiousthe conduct/offense. This is evidenced by the vituperativedirected toward those on LOD that dare condemn conductunbecoming an officer, even corruption. Those few officersignore the REAL issue and resort to mis-characterizationof statements ACTUALLY made and outright lies. I realizethere is a HUGE difference between UNBECOMING CONDUCT andILLEGAL AND CORRUPT CONDUCT. Neither of those are whatmost of LEO would call "mistakes everyone make". Thoseare things that require a conscious thought, decision.I never cited a LEO for minor traffic violations, I neverreported a LEO for not wearing a hat or inconsequentialthings such as that. I believe for the most part thoseposting such BS realize that, it's simply a matter of"if the facts aren't on your side, attack the messenger"!LEO are supposed to be ADULTS ! Act like adults, thinklike adults and accept the responsibilities of an adult!I think the days of unconditional "Professional Courtesy"and unconditional "silence" is long past and well it shouldbe. If you are in my city (even though I'm retired) andshould need money, a ride, a place to stay overnight, orother things of that nature I will help. Always have, always will. But, if you were drunk on your butt and I found you driving or you commit some other serious crime(not necessarily a felony) then no "special" help from me.

Cop Comment: But sarge, they were only extending a little professional courtesy each time they were there. No need to jam a brother up, you might need him for back up sometime.

Officer Comment: anyone who let him slide needs an ass kicking on a mid-evil level for sure.

Here's the News Story from 12/ 1/2007 :
Police Accused of Protecting Their Own
MSNBC-BOLINGBROOK, Ill. — Eighteen times in two years, Bolingbrook police were called to fellow officer Drew Peterson's home because of trouble between husband and wife. But Peterson's wife could never get authorities to arrest him. In fact, she was the only one ever charged.

Now residents of this Chicago suburb are wondering whether police were protecting one of their own — and whether they bear some responsibility for what happened next.
Peterson's wife at the time of the domestic disturbance calls, Kathleen Savio, was found dead in 2004 under mysterious circumstances. And now his current wife, Stacy, is missing and feared slain.

The way police dealt with Peterson "makes it kind of hard to trust cops," said Pablo Delira, a 59-year-old construction worker. He said he has no doubt he would have been led away in handcuffs if police had been called to his house 18 times.

Kim Camplin, who works in the clothing business, said Bolingbrook police should have taken the domestic disturbance calls more seriously.

"It doesn't matter if it's a fireman, a policeman or a clergyman — all it should take is one call and it should be taken seriously," she said. "What faith can we have in the system?"
Peterson, 53, was a police sergeant and 29-year veteran of the force, resigning earlier this month after he came under suspicion in his current wife's disappearance in October.

In a roughly two-year period beginning in 2002, police responded to 18 domestic disturbance calls at Peterson's house. Savio accused Peterson of beating her and threatening to kill her, but no charges were ever brought against him. Instead, Peterson twice persuaded prosecutors to charge Savio with domestic battery. She was acquitted both times.

Police Lt. Ken Teppel said that in all 18 instances, police conducted a thorough investigation. He said a department inquiry found no indication officers did anything wrong or violated procedure.
But Teppel acknowledged the case has damaged the department's reputation.
"There is a distrust ... that this is going to be covered up," he said. "It's so hard to get over that."
Savio was found dead in her bathtub in 2004, and a coroner's jury ruled it an accidental drowning. But since Stacy Peterson's disappearance, investigators have re-examined Savio's death and exhumed her body, and said they now believe it was a homicide made to look like an accident.

Peterson has not been named a suspect in Savio's death. But authorities said he is suspected in Stacy Peterson's disappearance. Peterson has denied any wrongdoing in either case and said he believes his current wife left him for another man and is still alive.
The Bolingbrook department has handed the investigation over to the Illinois State Police — standard practice in criminal cases involving a member of the force.
Not everyone in the community of about 70,000 blames the department.
"I haven't lost one iota of trust in the police department," said Stephen DeFreeuw, a 16-year resident. "One rogue cop."

Teppel said street cops in the 122-member department are being reminded about the proper way to handle domestic calls and are being told they are expected to adhere to the rules, no matter who answers when they knock on the door. Teppel said Police Chief Ray McGrury has made it clear: "There are no favorites." Savio and Stacy Peterson were Peterson's third and fourth wives. He and wives No. 1 and 2 divorced.

Vicki Connolly, Peterson's second wife, has said that during their marriage, an increasingly controlling Peterson hit her and told her he could kill her and make it look like an accident.
Connolly said police sometimes came to the house when the couple were having problems, but she said the officers were friends of theirs and no reports ever were filed.

"New Poster Boy"

Below is a post on the Stacy Peterson case that ran on November 14, 2007. This week marks the 2 year anniversary since she went missing.

The Peterson case(s) have two alledged victims, now has made Peterson, who moments ago resigned from the Bolingbrook Police Department the "National Poster Boy" for narcissitic passive aggressive behavior.

For years that title was held solely by Charles Stewart, the Boston man who murdered his lawyer wife on October 23, 1989 and accused someone else of the crime. Ultimately, he took his own life. But if you recall Stewart behaved in the same way as Peterson, in every interview, cold and without any emotion. The Cowardly Former Officer Drew Peterson now holds the title. And proudly, I might add.

In my opinion, it was clear from the NBC interview with Matt Lauer that Drew Peterson lives in a black and white world of his own. Obviously he hasn't been able to find a lawyer willing to take the case without some major up front cash retainer. So he decided to ask for one on national television like he was asking for a cancer specialist to treat his disease.

I highly doubt a bank would lend the bozo ten cents against his home. According to Will County Clerks Office, Peterson bought his home on 12/29/2003, for $227,000 with no money down and refinanced in 2005. And on 12/23/2003 he recorded the sale of the home with Stacy A. Peterson. And I do not believe he is able to borrow, legally against his children(s) trust funds. He may be able to get his hands on his pension or borrow against it that is probably an option at this point and the reason he may have resigned.

Other Stories referenced:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-peterson_13nov13,0,6934274.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

November 10, 2007: Cop Suspended, Named Suspect In Wife's Disappearance
November 9, 2007: Body Of Peterson's 3rd Wife To Be Exumed
November 8, 2007: Neighbor Who Found Savio Speaks Out
November 8, 2007: Peterson's Friend: 'We All Know She's Dead'
November 8, 2007: Coroner Doubts Peterson's 3rd Wife's Autopsy Results
November 7, 2007: Drew Peterson Visits Will County Courthouse
November 7, 2007: Volunteer To Help Find Stacy Peterson
November 6, 2007: Smaller-Than-Expected Crew Continues Search For Peterson
November 5, 2007: Texas Team To Help Search For Peterson As Hope Wanes
November 4, 2007: Second Search For Bolingbrook Mom Kicks Off Sunday
November 2, 2007: Peterson's Sister: Stacy 'Feared For Her Life'
November 2, 2007: Missing Mom's Husband Has 'Nothing To Hide'
http://www.topix.com/wire/city/bolingbrook-il
http://www.nbc5.com/
http://gretawire.foxnews.com/tag/sgt-drew-peterson/

Abuse and Eviction

The hurdles a victim of abuse must cross once they contact police after an anrgry explosion with an abuser can be overwhelming. As an example Kathy Cleaves-Milan was living with her young daughter and boyfriend in the Elm Creek apartment complex in Elmhurst Illinois when her abuser pulled out a loaded gun threatening to kill her and himself. She contacted police who arrived at the complex, he was arrested and the next day she was in front of a judge requesting an order of protection.

The management spoke with Kathy and arrangements for the abusers personal items were going to be moved into a storgae locker located in the complex. A day or two passed and Kathy went to the leasing office with her order of protection. The management company told Kathy she and her daughter could remain as long as her income could be verified. Kathy asked permission and was given permission to pay rent on the 15th of the month.

Kathy went to the bank to secure a cashiers check calling the property managment for the full amount owed. The leasing informed that she was being evicted because the arrest of her boyfriend by police was in clear violation of her lease. "As the safety of our resident is our top priority, we have a sero-tolerance police for any criminal activies said a spokesperson.

Kathy did not give up leaving her abusive relationship she sought legal advice from the Sargent Shriver National center who have filed a lawsuit against the apartment complex for the 2007 eviction that went on her credit report as an unpaid debt and learned she was being sought for the money when a collection agency called over the summer.

The Illinois Safe Homes Act allows a victim of abuse to early termination of the lease or request a lock change at no additional charge to the victim.

Kathy Cleaves-Milan is a successful "thriver." She did not allow circumstances beyond her control to keep her from moving forward successfully leaving the abuse and supporting her now 11 year-old daughter in a toxic free and safe envornment.

If you are a victim of abuse, seeking services for counseling, advocacy or divorce, confidental assistance and direction on your journey as a successful thriver is a phone call away 1-800-799-SAFE. The National Coaltion Against Domestic Violence is there for you 7 days a week, 24-hours a day.

"Another Casuality of War"

In a guest book on the Internet filled with family, friends and strangers Pamela Taschuk life is remembered for her courage and strength for moving forward away from her abusive husband knowing the consequences. The 48-year-old was a juvenile probation officer and social worker. Pamela was murdered a week ago today. Like thousands of other women who lose their lives daily from domestic violence in the home, Pamela was in constant fear of her husband. In September filed for divorce and obtained a court order keep her husband Allen away .

Police responded to the home some 48 times over a 15 year period. Allen Taschuk was arrested a total of 3 times in those 15years, the most recent incident at the end of August police arrested him allowing Pamela to obtain a court order of protection.

Unfortunately,, there is no one size fits all plan for your safety. But there are steps you can take to increase your chances. If your instinct kicks in and you feel contacting the police will be too dangerous, trust those instincts. Victims are in a “damned if you do, damned if you don’t” decision. Any legal action you take is not a guarantee of protection from further abuse. The abuser could care less, and obtaining a court order of protection may increase the violence or cause serious injury or cost you your life. You must weigh the consequences.

If my own mother Roberta Murphy murdered in 1989 by my police officer father were alive today she would tell you to have a strong plan of action before contacting a divorce lawyer or obtaining a court order of protection.

If you are or know someone in an abusive relationship help is a phone call away. Services are confidential and free of charge. Contact the National Coalition at 1-800-799 SAFE.

Suggest Books:

The Gift of Fear by Gavin DeBecker

Defending Our Lives: getting aaway from domestic violence & staying safe

Moving Out Moving On: When a Relationship Goes Wrong

Coward With A Badge is Finally Captured

[former police office Derrick Yancey]

Special agents from the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) located Derrick Yancey in Punta Gorda, Belize. Yancey is wanted in Georgia for double murder of his wife Linda Yancey and a day laborer. Yancey on the run since April was arrested by Belize law enforcement and is awaiting return to the United States.

Yancey was a deputy with the DeKalb County, Georgia Sheriff's Department. In August of 2008, DeKalb County Sheriff's Office charged Yancey with two counts of murder. He was released on $150,000 bond awaiting trial under the condition that he be confined to house arrest. On April 4, 2009, Yancey violated the conditions of his bond and escaped house arrest. In June of 2009 America's Most Wanted featured the fomer officer on their show. Since then, he has been on the run, even eliciting the attention of television's "Americas Most Wanted."

On September 17, 2009, DSS agents in the Regional Security Office in Belmopan, Belize received an investigative lead from the U.S. Marshals Service and the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office on the possible whereabouts of Yancey. Within sixty hours of that tip, DSS agents in Belize were able to confirm Yancey's presence in Punta Gorda and locate his residence.On September 19, 2009, after extensive coordination between officers of the Belize Police Department and personnel in Diplomatic Security's Regional Security Office in Belmopan, both U.S. and Belizean law enforcement awaited Yancey's return to his neighborhood.

Upon arrival at a local bar, at 6:05 PM local time, a DSS agent tapped on Yancey's shoulder and told him "It is time to go." Belize authorities then arrested Yancey.

According to DSS agents, Yancey stated that he was surprised and shocked upon capture. Yancey also revealed he was relieved that he was finally caught and prepared to go home. DSS agents in Washington, DC and Belize will coordinate with The U.S. Marshals Service to arrange for Yancey's return in the near future.

"Diplomatic Security's regional security office in Belmopan maintains an excellent working relationship with local law enforcement personnel, thus enabling Yancey's capture," said, Edgar Moreno, The Bureau of Diplomatic Security's Assistant Director for Domestic Operations. "It's this type of close, worldwide law enforcement liaison capability that gives Diplomatic Security unparalleled ability to locate, pursue, and apprehend fugitives."

Counting Yancey's detention, Diplomatic Security has coordinated the capture of five of America's Most Wanted fugitives in 2009 alone, including previous captures made this year by authorities in Brazil, Nicaragua, Israel, and the Philippines.

Living The Nightmare

Amy Leichtenberg quietly approached the casino boat gamblers with fliers, hoping they may have seen her ex-husband, a known gambler. Three weeks earlier, he abducted the couple’s two young sons and by now all other leads had come up snake eyes. Then her phone rang.

An investigator on the case told her to drive to the McLean County Sheriff’s Department to discuss something new in the case.

Leichtenberg excitedly made the two-hour drive to the police station, allowing herself to daydream about her two boys—9-year-old Duncan and 7-year-old Jack—happily greeting her there.

Inside the station, she didn’t see her boys waiting for her. Instead, Beth Kimmerling, the county coroner, introduced herself.

"No!" Leichtenberg screamed, quickly realizing her hopeful daydream turned into her worst nightmare. "No! No! No!"

The coroner couldn’t even get the words out, telling Leichtenberg that Duncan and Jack—the joys of her life—were dead. And her ex-husband was dead, too, taking his own life after killing both his sons.

"Where are my babies?!" Leichtenberg remembers asking frantically through sobs. "Where are my babies?!" The coroner told her the boys’ bodies were with their father’s body in the back of the police station.

"I want my boys as far away from him as possible!" Leichtenberg remembers yelling, punching a desk and nearby concrete walls.

As the coroner left, Leichtenberg dissolved into a chair, crying, screaming and shaking. She felt numb. She felt empty. She felt like joining her sons in heaven. "I want to see my babies," she remembers telling authorities. No, they told her. Not yet. Not now. Not in their condition.
She begged them. They refused.

To read the entire story about Amy Leicchtenberg in the October issue of Chicago Parent click HERE.

Amy Leichtenberg was a guest on the Susan Murphy Milano show to listen to the interview it plays from this site automatically make sure the volume of your computer is turned on. Susan's show will resume again on Wednesday October 7, 2009 at 4:00 PM.

Why Doesn't The Church Talk About Domestic Abuse?

(Susan is out until next week and in her absence we will be posting some interesting articles from around the world wide web. For scheduling an event, workshop or lecture for Susan Murphy Milano please send your request to contact@imaginepublicity.com.

Her radio show will resume at 4: 00 PM EST on October 7, 2009)

From Kentucky.com : following a high profile murder that followed a high profile history of domestic abuse:

The news reports of the recent death of Amanda Ross, allege that she was a victim of domestic violence. Based on statistics, it is likely domestic violence is happening across all faith communities in Kentucky. (According to the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, in 2007, over 4,000 Kentuckians were in shelters, including 2,313 women and 1,760 children.) Are faith communities adequately addressing the problem?

1. It’s an issue where women and children are the victims of men’s sins (primarily), so it’s an uphill battle right there.

2. Scripture deals with “love your wife as Christ loves the church,” and the application is obvious, but none of Paul’s sin lists or our favorite parables or stories contain a guy who slaps around his girlfriend or a man who beats his wife when he’s drunk.

3. What’s the payoff for the average pastor who brings this up? Counseling women and hearing embarrassing secrets. And then….divorces. We all know how evangelicals feel about those….or, at least most of them

4. Never has the church’s need to develop its own counseling resources with women specializing in helping women been more obvious.

5. Deal with this much, and someone in your church is either going to jail, or to a lawyer. Families will point fingers, phones will ring, emails will be sent and it will all be your fault.

6. You can be sure it’s going to hit very close to home. Maybe too close for a lot of church leaders. Lots of people are going to be wrong. Lots of people are going to be guilty and lots of people are going to admit some scary things. Who wants to go there?

7. Plenty of women and men prefer to hear about how submission will get you through any marriage problem, and they need for that to be right. It’s what they have been told and what they are telling other women. If someone says I’m leaving a man who is hitting me, then a whole lot of problems occur for some people’s version of submission. (I do not believe that is necessary, btw. I think that is a wrong emphasis on submission and a right emphasis is what’s needed. Mutual love in Christ.)

8. You have to talk about emotional abuse, and now the circle just got very, very, very wide. Are you sure you want the women talking about that one? Pastor? Pastor? Hello?

9. Sexual abuse? Religious abuse? Financial abuse? A lot of roads, all with similar dynamics. Let’s just say we don’t want feminists and liberals starting trouble. IOWs, Who are we empowering with this discussion? Uh-huh.

10. And, as everyone knows, we don’t have those kinds of problems. We’re Christians.

A big salute to those churches and pastors who are on the front lines and involved in this issue. They are real warriors for compassion, justice and reconciliation.

"Time's Up" Taking Charge of a Bad Situation Wednesday July 22, 2009 The Susan Murphy Milano Show

Are you exhaused because you are living in fear?

Are you trying to figure out how to leave your relationship?

Are you in the midst of a divorce?

Are you in a heated custody battle?

Are you a mother who lost custody of her children?

Are you stuck not knowing what steps to take?

Are you someone who has decided to live with your situation?

Are you confused why the courts are allowing your former partner to continue to harass, threaten and stalk you long after the relationship has ended?

Are you worried the person could get angry enough and possibly kill you?

If you answered yes to just one of the above questions, then "Time's Up" you must educate yourself on ways to take charge of a bad situation.

On Wednesday, July 22, 2009, on the Susan Murphy Milano show, our guests include Claudine Dombrowski and Sharon from Nebraska both women have answered yes and lived through each of the questions above. Join us as we learn their strategies and answer your questions live at 3:00 PM Central Standard Time.

CALL IN LIVE: 347-326-9337

The Link to the show is www.blogtalkradio.com/susanmurphymilano

If you are a non-custodial mother or a mother facing custodial issues before, after or during a divorce or custody battle please consider joining Non-Custodial Moms Breaking The Silence:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/NonCustodialMoms_BreakingTheSilence/To subscribe:NonCustodialMoms_BreakingTheSilence-
http://peace4missing.ning.com/group/domesticeviolence
Other Sources:Kansans For Judicial Accountability
Maternal Deprivation Inflicted on Battered Women and Abused Children -
Kansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence - Google NewsNew Campaign
My NotebookEleven Hundred Torches News and Updates
Justice For Mothers
Protective Mothers Alliance
Moving Out Moving On

Where Is The Asylum For American Women?

Apparently, our government is seriously considering granting asylum for battered women from other countries. Now there is a concept! Curious, I contacted a church that helps those granted asylum and learned when our government provides assistance, the person is given housing, placed on public aide amounting to approximately $2,000 a month and in many cases a second hand vehicle so they can get around. And other perks depending on the individual’s needs. We cannot take care of victims of abuse in our own country. Why are we extending a hand to foreigners? Is the abuse different or more life threatening from the women in our own country?

Women whom are born in United States are living in the same conditions as those the government has offered to help with little to no options for safety and proper services to escape their abusers. I personally know several hundred women whom are beaten, raped, kept like prisoners in their own homes and forced to deal with their abusers one way or the other or else they will be killed, identical life threatening situations as the women in the New York Times article. Where is the asylum for American women?

If our government can come up with a way to house, educate and find jobs for battered women from other countries in this economy, we should first have a system in place for American women before we start offering a safe haven to immigrants.

Do not misunderstand. I am about helping battered women, but let us help those where we have the greatest need, and the highest mortality rate, right here in the good old United States.

A Woman's Self Worth-Fight For it Damn It! Live 3:00 PM CST On The Susan Murphy Milano Show

The Susan Murphy Milano Show

Date : 7/15/2009

Time: 4:00 PM EST 3:00 PM CST 1:00 PM PST

Call-in Number: (347) 326-9337

Show Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/susanmurphymilano

Our amazing line-up for today's show includes Anny Jacoby, Owner/President of The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company, Gail Lakritz from Wings of Change and Michelle a police officers wife and you the listeners.

Susan Murphy-Milano violence expert and author of "Defending Our Lives, getting away from domestic violence & staying safe and Moving Out, Moving On when a relationship goes wrong. And her new book out in 2010,"Time’s Up, how to leave and survive a dangerous relationship ,offers detailed practical information. Like your own guardian angel giving listeners guidance on what to do when you are in an abusive relationship, attempting to leave to creating a road map to safety every step of the way. As a former executive director of a high risk national domestic violence organization, violent expert and author she speakers from experience. Her voice has been featured on Oprah, 20/20, The Justice Files, US News & World Report, USA Today, Family circle magazine, CNN, NBC’s Sunday Today and she comments regularly on headlines making the news. Susan can be heard co-hosting the popular weekly radio show, “Justice Interrupted,” , every Tuesday at 10:00 PM CST, with police officer, Stacy Dittrich, and prosecutor, Robin Sax, highlighting cases that have not received the media attention they deserve.

Visit Susan’s website at http://www.susanmurphymilano.com/