The End of October Doesn't Mean An End To Awareness!
Domestic Violence Awareness Month may be coming to a close at the end of October, but we must not forget that every day men, women and children seek safety and justice inside America's courts. Sadly, from New York to California, victims of domestic violence are facing a rationing of justice. Court furlough days have resulted in backlogs and delayed temporary restraining orders. Crippling budget cuts mean courts must reduce their hours of operation or close altogether. Turned away at shuttered courthouse doors, victims of domestic violence are left to fend for themselves. In Oregon, "Jane" had to wait three days to file a Family Abuse Prevention Act Restraining Order because Friday was a designated court furlough day. In New Jersey, "Joe" sat outside a courtroom door for nearly five hours waiting to be heard while the increasing backlog of cases ultimately suspended civil and family court trials and delayed temporary restraining orders. And in Mississ...