Our neighbor down the street has been having some home/hubby issues and the cops have been out a couple of times within the past few weeks. He was even taken away this last time around. Lots of drinking has been involved as well. Well last night they start up again and my neighbor right next to me called the cops on them. They were chasing eachother in their cars thru the neighborhood honking his horn at her. She pulls back into the driveway and he starts chasing her on foot around the house yelling at her to get back into the house (of course lots of curse words added in there). Well the screaming continues and then silence. By the time the cops get there it has been quiet for about 5 mins. So the cops pound on the door for literally a half hour and no one answers. So they leave! My husband and I were so shocked. The officers spoke to us and my neighbor who called them and we told them this has been going on a while and that the last time he was taken away. So they new there was a history here. They went back to the house one last time and then got in their cars and left.
We just stood there in shock that they left. What if he had beat her and she was lying there bleeding. Or what if he hurt her in other ways? My hubby tried knocking on the door this am and still no one answering. Do we call the cops again or just let it be? I just cant imagine the cops just leaving her not knowing if she is ok or not. It makes me think that if I was in that situation would they really be there to help me out. It is just so sad.
No. There are no children involved. They are an older couple and her children have grown and moved out.
Wow, I'm as shocked as you! I know cops can't go barging into houses without probable cause, but if that's not blatant probable cause, I don't know what is. There's a history of domestic violence!
Do let us know what happens. In the meantime, call the cops EVERY time something like this happens.
If I were you I would have called the police again and again until they did something. Yesterday a man stabbed his girlfriend to death.
If your neighbors didn't answer the door, there's not much the cops can do. They can't break into the house with out probable cause. They can knock and knock and knock, but if nobody answers, they're out of options.
todays abused woman is tomorrows homicide victim. and you cant make a woman turn an abuser into the police, instead lodge a complaint based on them breaking the noise ordinance, if the police wont go in then social services can or call dmv for them chasing each other around in cars, or for that matter if you live in a private subdivision, you can call management and let them handle the problem, if enough people complain, the police will have to put a stop to it.
K. h.
Unless they have a warrant, they cannot enter the house. If no one answers, then that is that. They are not even allowed to try the door if it is closed but not locked. Now if you or your husband wanted to enter the home out of concern, and found something, you could then call the cops and say, "I found a woman that needs medical attention! Get over here quick!" You might get hit with Breaking and Entering, but the evidence would be allowed in court, while if the police did it, anything found would be thrown out even if it was a death. Know your legal system. (laws can be interpreted more loosely or conservatively based on the local judges and jurisdiction practices. It could be that the local judge would have thrown out the evidence based on the info gotten from neighbors and the police knew it.)
That is shocking. I trained to be military police, and we had to learn the civilian laws as well. Cops are allowed to enter without a warrant as long as they have probable cause. They should have taken statements from the neighbors, and used that as cause to enter. This is just lazy policework. I don't think the issue here is so much this woman seeking help for herself, but the officer's reaction to a woman who could have been in immediate danger. Who knows, maybe after this incident, she would have been willing to get help... but she's trapped inside, or too injured to leave... no one knows what the situation is because the cops didn't do thier job. Or, maybe everything is fine and she is going to continue living in denial. Whatever the case, they should have checked on her. I would file a complaint.
Call the cops again and ask them to do a well check since you haven't seen either person since last night. They may or may not do it. The sad thing with domestic violence incidents is that, for a lot of police forces, it becomes a bit of a boy who cried wolf situation. They come out time and time again and try to provide services only to be turned down or to have uncooperative victims who don't want to get their abuser into trouble. It doesn't make it right, they should fully investigate every incident, but they unfortunately start to think 'it is just Wilma and Fred again; who is the lucky one who gets to go settle things this time?'
I would just let it go. If she let her husband back into the house after her had to be removed by the cops then she doesn't really want him gone and you are just wasting your time. I know I sound mean and horrible but I grew up with my mother and her husband fighting like this and I saw what my mother went through and I really don't feel bad for anyone in these kinds of situations that don't get themselves out.
I am as disturbed as the rest of you. I feel terribly sorry for this woman. It would be kind of you to reach out to her. Make sure she's ok and offer to help her figure out what resources are available to her.
But Let me go another direction. What about you? Your kids, the neighbors kids? You guys are caught up in someone elses private hell. I feel terrible that you have to endure that on a regular basis. That is a lot of stress wondering if that woman is alive or dead. I bet you didnt sleep at all last night. And the kids! I grew up listening to my own parents fight and it is terrifying. They are chasing through the neighborhood in 2,000 lb weapons. What if someone gets in thier way? A person, a family pet? You should be able to feel safe at home. It should be your sanctuary, not a warzone. If you have a homeowners assocation, you could contact them and find out what the rules are so far as disturbing the peace.
WOW! How sad! Can you get in touch with their kids? Maybe they can go over and check on her/them. Just keep an eye on the cars and window coverings. See if there is any movement. If you see absolutely nothing, call the police again and let them know you are concerned. They obviously have records indicating they have been out to that house before and have even taken the husband into custody, even if he was not booked.
If you do see the wife, and you feel comfortable, talk to her privately. Let her know you and the other neighbors are not being nosey but concerned. Let her know there is help for her.
I hope it all turns out OK.
File a complaint. Or SHE needs to file a complaint. Or, call the police again for a well-being check.
I am not in any way blaming the victim but police really cannot do a whole lot unless the victim decides to talk and/or press charges. Unfortunately, too many times a victim won't press charges because they don't want to "make a big deal" over things.
If you don't see her, call the cops for a welfare check. That's different and may require them to go in the house to ensure that she's not laying on the floor in distress.
Gosh thats horrible! I would file a complaint. So sad. Hope shes ok!
I would call a domestic violence shelter and see if they can help/offer advice. Sometimes they will go out (social workers) for a welfare check. I also would talk to one of the children if you know how to get in touch with them, just let them know you are concerned and things are getting really out of hand.
Well if it was you how would you want someone to handle that situation. There is your answer. I will pray right now for that women and the children. PLEASE let us know what happens.
If I was to vague. I believe you have a moral obligation to get involved. If somenthing happens and your able to do something this is something you will carry with you the rest of your life.
PLEASE let us know what happens.
Wow, that is sad. It doesn't seem right for them to just leave, but then I think of the town I live in that have had major cuts in our police department. I'm not sure, here, they would have the time to look deeper. But gosh, if they were driving cars chasing each other in a neighborhood, you'd think the police would be worried about the safety of others at the very least.
But definitely update to let us know if you see her.
