Ken, you are absolutely right and stated it clearly and succinctly.
Just laws ARE on the books, but are being ignored by officials in favor of one gender, due to propaganda by special interests (collectively, the Feminist law Movement)that has driven federal funding that rewards denial of constitutional rights and dissolution families under the guise of “protection for women”. Conflicts of interest are inherent and rampant.
My Protection Order was issued ex parte, without “good cause shown”, as stated law would require. It contained no allegations of violence or threats. My child, who was in my care and custody was taken from me by the police because her mother requested it in the FPO pleading. Due process was ignored. Protected civil liberties were ignored. My daughter’s best interests were ignored through her subsequent isolation from me.
In WV, the judges’ bench book states that the clearest indicator of an abuser is the existence of previous allegations of domestic violence. Most Protection Orders are issued without a hint of any standard of evidence, and at the drop of a hat, and indeed most are based on false or non-existent accusations and intended for leverage in subsequent custody proceedings that follow automatically. It is not uncommon for a man to be falsely accused a number of times. Previous conviction isn’t necessary to “identify” an abuser.
Men in my town have come to take it for granted that if you have children, and you break up with their mother, there is going to be an FPO taken out by her. DV “advocates” guide women through this process free of charge. Often those that guide and advise are law enforcement officers. Men are being made criminals without a shred of process.
Conversely, men who experience threats and violence from female partners face doubt and criticism, and while sometimes granted a Protection Order if the allegations are relevant and believable, are seldom granted temporary custody.
I participate with ACFC and with M.A.W.A.D. Often, when we release information supporting fairness, due process, and the true best interests of children, our research and information is characterized as lies
driven by anger, and a desire to evade supporting our children; sometimes this characterization is made by DHHR representatives, and almost always by people with a vested interest in the Divorce/Child Custody industry.
As long as Federal Law continues to reward and fund dishonorable behavior, we will face an uphill battle.
It is my view that VAWA serves to protect a class of people (female), to the detriment of another class of people (male/everyone else), and is therefore unconstitutional (not to mention redundant).
The industry is so huge, and bias so pervasive, that the goal of reform sometimes seems unattainable; but we continue to “show up”, and march on to the liberated end. It is helpful to know that we are not alone. I’ve enjoyed reading so many wonderful posts.
Life, Liberty, and Access To Our Children!
