Letters

Homegrown terrorists

Nov 11, 2009

This is in response to two letters on domestic violence, one by Michael Ra Bouchard (10/14), the other by Larry Holbrook (10/28). Brouchard is correct to refer to domestic violence as “domestic terrorism.” However, Holbrook seems angry at Brouchard for calling it like it is! Holbrook accuses victim advocates of “tearing families apart!” Holbrook also minimizes the issue by saying “every family experiences conflict during their lifetimes.”

We’re not talking about minor disagreements here! In domestic violence, there are throats grabbed, bodies thrown down stairs, heads banged against walls, jaws broken, noses bloodied and pregnant women kicked. There are stabbings and gunshots. Sometimes, the victim leaves the home in a body bag.

Well, if a child is growing up in a home in which one spouse is constantly using deadly force on the other, then why not have the justice system “tear that family apart”? Who can rationally argue that is a good environment to raise a child? Why not allow the abused spouse and the children start over a new life, with the abuser locked up in prison?

Holbrook says that abusers can change. But in too many cases, the change comes after multiple decades of abusive behavior. That’s too long to wait!

Pablo Wegesend
Honolulu

Celebrating Hawaii, nature, culture and wellness for over 35 years!

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Honolulu Weekly