The Other Side of October | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Other Side of October

What you don't hear about Domestic Violence

56
The Other Side of October
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2017/10/22/6364431309854300591957957325_dark.jpg

As most are aware, October is Domestic Violence awareness month. For the last few years, this month always makes me feel different. It seems as though there is a double-edged sword when it comes to domestic abuse. The criminal justice system tends to favor the accuser in order to prevent other victims from feeling afraid and to report their abusers. However, the other side of the coin is the defendant. The court system issue millions of restraining orders a year. Some studies suggest that there are countless false allegations of domestic violence every year. The defendants in these cases have their lives turned upside down because of these charges. I was one of those defendants.

You hear the term used ad nausea, "Innocent until proven guilty." But what does that really mean? When we hear stories or read articles, we tend to jump to assumptions based on what we read. We then take those biases, and allow them to influence a judgement on that situation. I have come to learn however, it turns the saying into "Guilty until proven Innocent." Without getting into too much detail (it has been discussed in some of my other articles), I was accused of a heinous crime and told that due to the color of my skin, white, and my profession, law enforcement, that "of course you committed it; look at all the other white cops abusing their powers." This sent me into a complete whirlwind, and downward spiral. Once the information is out there, defending yourself, clearing your name, fighting suspicion and tolerating disdain is a horrible predicament.

Words have power when strung up in the right order. It could mean the difference between making or breaking an argument. It could mean the difference between convicting a guilty or innocent man. In domestic violence cases, in certain states, minimal evidence is required and anything "perceived" as a threat, is. Most judges or domestic violence hearing officers grant orders of protection usually grant temporary orders as long as there is some shred of reasoning behind it.

I am full aware that there are many women out there who are legitimate victims of abuse. Many one day find the courage to either leave or report their abuser. However, there are a small sect of women that accuse men for other reasons and this should not be tolerated. Even if the charges are found to be groundless and eventually dismissed, it can impact the life of the accused further down the road. Temporary orders issued may appear in criminal background checks and potentially hinder future employment opportunities let alone any social or psychological damage done.

Making a false accusation in a public way is an aggressive act. Nothing prepares you for it. The only suggestion I can give to you that helped me through my time is to never give up and never stop fighting. I learned at the police academy that when you find yourself in the biggest fight of your life, you do whatever it takes to survive. If it wasn't for those drill instructors teaching me that, as well as having a core support of friends and family, who knows what would've happened to me. Time takes away the sting, people eventually figure out the truth and recovery is possible. You will be stronger, savvier and overall, a better you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

4160
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

450450
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

22214
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

45127
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments