We, the undersigned, are petitioning our legislators as Wisconsin needs a change in policies at the Wisconsin Department of Corrections and legislation that legally gives victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault a voice during the offender re-entry process when offenders are being placed in an extended supervision placement. This proactive step is needed so that no offender is placed near where a victim lives and/or where they are employed without that victim's prior approval.
BACKGROUND
In 62 days from the time I started this petition my abuser will be released on extended supervision and I do not know if he will be placed in a temp. living placement 6 blocks from my home or somewhere else. (see June 4, 2915 update -When He Gets Out- Countdown Day 59 Some Success) I do not have legal say- there is no law on the book in Wisconsin to prevent this, the only thing working for me is I have been vocal in advocating for myself, but yet, I still do not have the sense of security in knowing he will not be placed on tax payers' dime within 6 blocks from my home.
Victims of sexual assault and/or domestic violence deserve better!
My abuser/ex husband (estranged at the time of the assault) was convicted in 2007 of 2nd Degree Sexual Assault and Battery (Domestic Violence). Through a plea deal he plead No Contest to those charges and was found guilty. The remaining charges - (2) additional counts 2nd Degree Sexual Assaults, and (2) counts of Causing Mental Harm to a Child were dismissed and read into the record for purpose of sentencing. He recv. 8 years initial confinement in the Wisconsin Prison System and 6 years of Extended Supervision.
The attack took place in Aug of 2007 and in front of our two sons, who at the time were ages 9 and 13. The hour long ordeal was captured on an audio recording.
The last two minutes of that recording can be heard here : Inside their minds. In the recording he clearly tells me that I must go through him to live my life. That he knows how to play games, and that I will have to put him in jail, but when he gets out it will be the same ol' thing .
I am vocal. I am an advocate. And, I have gone public with my story, yet with just 62 days left until his release I am living in limbo. What happens to the victims who haven't found their voice yet?
Because of the way the laws are written and the policies of the DOC unless he can come up with another plan he will be returned to the county of conviction or county of his last address. My county - and because I live in the county seat where the only temp living placement in this county is...he would be 6 blocks from my home. The home I struggled to keep and provide for my children.
Due to me being vocal DOC is looking for other options but that only started after I approached my state representative, Ed Brooks. However, despite their efforts 62 days and counting are left and no reassurances - no peace of mind.
Even if I manage to have some success in my own situation, I shouldn't have had to fight so hard, for so long. No victim should.
Timeline of events can be found here - When He Gets Out -The Timeline
Safety and security of the victim should not be left to the discretion of the Wisconsin DOC. We need a change in Wisconsin. Victims Need a VOICE, a legal VOICE during offender re-entry and we need to let our legislators know we will settle for nothing less.
Other states have these or similar protections in place:
Such as in California they can request that the offender not be placed within 35 miles of their residence...in Texas that request can be that the offender be placed in another county.
CA Penal Code 3003 -
(f) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an inmate who is released on parole shall not be returned to a location within 35 miles of the actual residence of a victim of, or a witness to, a violent felony as defined in paragraphs (1) to (7), inclusive, and paragraph (16) of subdivision (c) of Section 667.5 or a felony in which the defendant inflicts great bodily injury on any person other than an accomplice that has been charged and proved as provided for in Section 12022.53, 12022.7, or 12022.9, if the victim or witness has requested additional distance in the placement of the inmate on parole, and if the Board of Parole Hearings or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation finds that there is a need to protect the life, safety, or well-being of a victim or witness.