Domestic abuse- Editorial sends a bad message

To the editor:

Regarding the Dec. 4 editorial, "Tough domestic-abuse law under scrutiny":

There is so much more involved in a battering relationship than just the physical assault. Downgrading a law that makes every attempt to hold a batterer, not his victim, responsible for violence in their home sends a dangerous message to battered women.

Victims of domestic violence often keep the abuse secret for fear their friends, family, co-workers and society will not understand. It was apparent from the editorial that they are not far from accurate in their assessment of the value their pain is given.

The comment that "even a single slap" is now a felony offense punishable by a seven-year prison term is true in theory, but the prosecuting attorney's office estimates less than 1 percent of batterers charged serve prison terms. To insinuate that all batterers receive prison terms is erroneous.

When did "even a single slap" become acceptable because a woman is in a relationship with the man who assaulted her?

The last line of the editorial stated, "We trust that if the concerns about the rights of the accused are borne out in experience, the legislature will be able to address them in changing the law." How sad that everyone clamors for stiffer penalties on drug offenders, drunk drivers and child abusers but are awaiting laws to change in order to afford greater protection to a person who regularly batters a partner.

CHERYL ROBB-WELCH

Executive Director

Safe House for Women

Cape Girardeau, Mo.