Audit Delaware courts for ADA compliance and accept sexual violence charges via email

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The Issue

Our struggle against the system began when my wife's requests for ADA accommodations in Delaware courts were continually ignored or outright dismissed. Imagine being vulnerable, seeking justice, and finding the doors slammed shut merely because the system refuses to adhere to what is legally mandated under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). For a long time, we've been battling not just for justice but for the basic right to be heard, particularly in settings where it should be a given.

However, that's just part of the story. In the midst of dealing with ADA non-compliance, we found ourselves stonewalled by the same courts when trying to file charges related to domestic and sexual violence. These are urgent matters that shouldn't be delayed, yet we faced unnecessary hurdles that could easily be removed by allowing email submissions for such charges. But instead, we were met with gatekeeping behavior and inaction. Troop 7 police even told us that 'harassment wasn't a crime.' How can justice be served when the system itself seems indifferent to the plight of vulnerable people?

We live in one back room with our two service dogs and black mold. Our dogs were restricted access to the rest of the house.  The landlord was recently removed from his property due to sexual violence against my Wife. We were told that the cops removed up to 20 guns of various types from our landlord's possession. In a State like Delaware that does not restrict how many guns a person can have or requires a gun registry - you can imagine why we fear for our lives.

The landlord's long-time family friend is the other co-tenant and continues to harass us in direct retaliation to the landlords removal. He genuinely refers to himself as a God. The shelters would not accept us because we are not and were not involved in an "intimate relationship" with the landlord. Also, places like the Community Resource Center in Rehoboth Beach refused our entry due to our service dogs. Underlying the problem is that help is allocated based upon racial profiling. I was asked what my race was or if I was Hispanic when I called emergency hotlines. We did not meet the criteria for vouchers because we did not apply for General Assistance to spend more of the states' money. This makes no sense. Even with a sexual violence protection order there is no emergency funding or resources for us or exceptions being made for any policy.

The reason is clear:  Delaware's Gatekeepers and Decision makers are not willing to put the people's best interests above their policies. And this includes treating ADA requests as optional. Any institution or organization that receives Federal funding cannot function in their own discretionary applications of law and public policy silos. 

Despite reporting these issues to the Delaware Department of Justice and filing numerous complaints and police reports, little action has been taken to address these systemic failures. The very institutions meant to protect us continue to falter, allowing corruption and negligence to flourish, particularly within Troop 7 and certain Delaware courts.

No person should have to fight as hard as we've had to for basic accessibility and protection under the law. Beyond personal hardships, these issues signal a broader institutional failure that must be addressed immediately. Thus, we are calling for an independent audit of all Delaware courts to ensure full ADA compliance and the acceptance of sexual violence charges via email submission. This simple change is not impossible: by removing barriers to filing such charges, we can help countless others who may be in similar situations.

Imagine a world where justice is swift and accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities or the way they communicate. Our request is not just about our family's plight, but about creating a fairer, more inclusive system for all.

Join us in urging the Delaware state authorities to take decisive action to reform court procedures and implement these solutions. Please sign this petition to hold Delaware courts accountable, ensuring they serve and protect all residents effectively.

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