Domestic Violence

Switzerland Criminalizes Stalking

Switzerland’s parliament has officially criminalized stalking, unanimously approving a revised Criminal Code. The new law addresses obsessive harassment, particularly prevalent in marital relationships, allowing for automatic prosecution in such cases. Victims will be required to file complaints regardless of the context. This decision follows prolonged debate regarding the prosecution process and the necessity of victim cooperation.

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Soldier Gets 23 Years for Machete Murder of Pregnant Wife

Private Dewayne Johnson II received a 23-year prison sentence for the manslaughter of his pregnant wife, Mischa Johnson, and the subsequent obstruction of justice. He admitted to striking his wife with a machete after an argument, dismembering her body, and disposing of the remains. The sentence, the maximum allowed, includes a dishonorable discharge and forfeiture of pay. Johnson’s actions led to the discovery of evidence in his home, ultimately resulting in his conviction.

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Man Sentenced for Murdering Pregnant Wife, Stabbing Daughters Over Desire for Son

Drew Garnier received a 30-year prison sentence with 15 years of probation for the 2024 murder of his five-months-pregnant wife, Samantha, and assault of their two daughters. The attack, stemming from Garnier’s desire for a son, resulted in Samantha’s death and injuries to the children. Judge John Hubbard issued no-contact orders with the daughters until 2056, a request opposed by Garnier. Samantha’s father addressed the court, highlighting the trauma inflicted on his granddaughters and his commitment to their protection.

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Chris Brown Arrested in UK on Assault Charges

Singer Chris Brown’s recent arrest in the UK on allegations of assault in 2023 has reignited public outrage over his long history of violence against women. The sheer fact of his arrest, after years of seemingly escaping significant consequences, feels to many like a long-overdue reckoning. It highlights the frustration and disbelief that many feel about his continued career success and apparent ability to avoid accountability for his actions.

The news of his arrest sparks a range of strong emotions, from relief and satisfaction that he might finally face repercussions, to a deeper anger and disbelief at how he’s managed to maintain his public image and career despite his extensive history of violence.… Continue reading

NJ Couple Charged After 18-Year-Old Escapes Years of Captivity, Abuse

Brenda Spencer and Branndon Mosley, of Gloucester Township, New Jersey, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and multiple counts of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. The charges stem from the alleged seven-year abuse of their 18-year-old daughter/stepdaughter, who escaped on May 8th and reported being confined to a dog crate, a padlocked bathroom, and a bare room with a bucket for a toilet. Mosley faces additional charges of sexual assault. The investigation revealed squalid living conditions in the home, also housing a 13-year-old child who was also removed from school years prior.

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Woman Missing Since 1962 Found Alive, Leaving Behind Questions of Family and Abuse

Audrey Backeberg, missing since 1962 at age 20, has been located alive and well outside Wisconsin. Her disappearance, following a domestic violence complaint against her husband, was determined to be self-initiated and not the result of foul play. A recent review of old case files, aided by an online ancestry account, led investigators to Ms. Backeberg, now 82, who reportedly expressed contentment with her life choices. She was found to be living outside of Wisconsin.

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Green Beret’s Wife Charged with Murder After Divorce Announcement

Shana Cloud, 50, has been charged with the first-degree murder and concealment of death of her husband, recently retired Green Beret Clinton Bonnell, 50. Bonnell’s dismembered remains were found in February and identified via DNA testing. Authorities allege digital and video evidence links Cloud to the crime scene, while her attorney maintains her innocence. The investigation revealed Bonnell informed his wife of his intent to divorce a day before his disappearance.

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Trump Cuts Domestic Violence Funding, Blaming DEI

The Trump administration abruptly defunded a National Institutes of Health (NIH) grant focused on training clinicians to identify and address intimate partner violence among pregnant women, citing the project’s categorization as a “DEI” initiative. This two-year project aimed to create a vital training program for healthcare professionals, a crucial step given that homicide by an abusive partner is the leading cause of death for pregnant and postpartum women. The termination, which bypassed standard suspension procedures, effectively eliminated a program designed to combat a significant public health crisis. The researchers argue this decision harms not only crucial research but also disproportionately affects underrepresented investigators studying these issues, resulting in long-term negative consequences for the field.

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Pa. Fire Chief Charged with Child Abuse After Throwing Baby

Falls Township Fire Chief Brian Salt was arrested and charged with assaulting his three-month-old daughter, causing a skull fracture. Salt admitted to intentionally dropping the infant after becoming frustrated with her crying while his wife was at work. Police say Salt initially lied about the incident, claiming he found his daughter injured. Following his arraignment on multiple charges, Salt’s bail was set at $500,000, and he has been suspended from his position.

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California Woman Accused of Killing Wife Captured in Mexico

Yolanda Marodi, suspected of murdering her wife, Fire Captain Rebecca Marodi, was apprehended in Mexicali, Mexico, after over a month as a fugitive. The arrest followed collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, utilizing information and cooperation to locate Marodi near the border. Security footage depicted a violent altercation where Rebecca Marodi was fatally stabbed; Yolanda Marodi subsequently fled the scene and crossed into Mexico. Yolanda Marodi has been charged with murder and will be returned to the U.S. to face trial.

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