Through the Cracks


On June 1, 2011, my friend, Jacque Waller, went missing. While I prayed fervently for her to be found alive, I still had that terrible feeling that something far more cynical had happened. Everyone knew that her soon-to-be ex-husband was a ticking time bomb. I took care of her triplets for a short time, in her home, and always felt uneasy around him. I had heard stories about his outbursts from a few friends that worked closely with him. We suspected him from the very beginning. Two years later, he finally confessed and gave the location of her body and she was laid to rest. Unfortunately, this happens to more and more victims of abuse every year.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice in 2007 intimate partners committed 14% of all homicides in the U.S. The total estimated number of intimate partner homicide victims in 2007 was 2,340, including 1,640 females and 700 males. With statistics such as these, why have we not seen a decrease in these numbers? Why aren’t there higher measures in place to ensure the safety of those that have filed claims against their abusers? What can be done to help keep victims safe from their abusers? These questions are finally being addressed after the brutal torture of one woman by her estranged ex-husband who was arrested, then freed on bond, and given the opportunity to kidnap her again. By then, it was too late, he followed through with his threats in shooting her and then himself.

Hopefully, one day, these abusers won’t be allowed to fall through the cracks. Hopefully our justice system will increase laws to ensure that these highly dangerous cases aren’t allowed out on bail. Hopefully the system will allow higher safety measures to victims that need help.

Thank you to Lindsey V. for the inspiration behind this post.

~Christa G.

7 thoughts on “Through the Cracks

  1. Woebegone but Hopeful

    This is very true.
    Across the Western World we need an emphasis on the Civil & Civic Responsibilities of the individual and the state’s machinery.
    A man should be able to take up his burdens and carry them (This may sound a bit old-fashioned and a measure biblical but my background in the UK is from a mixture of old-fashioned (there’s that word again) socialism & what we call low-church- which expects a man to face up to his responsibilities and not act like some spoilt brat.
    (Like many I’ve fought my own demons and darkness, it was a messy fight and not always done well; like many I sort of came through. so excuse me if I don’t have any truck with those who buckle and take it out on their womenfolk. No bale. No probation. No second chance)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Woebegone But Hopeful, thank you for reading and taking the time to share your thoughts. It’s sad when we have to refer to someone taking responsibility for their actions as “old-fashioned”… maybe one day it will be back in style. 😉 -Christa G.

      Liked by 1 person

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