Blog 1

                 Delaware Online posted an article about a man named Robert Teagle, 27, from Elsmere who is wanted for a domestic dispute that occurred on January 15 between him and his girlfriend. His charges include strangulation, unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child along with others. Teagle reportedly strangled his girlfriend and prevented her from leaving while her children were in the home. Teagle was later contacted by the police over the phone, but did not cooperate. After being spotted nearby and fleeing before police arrived, they called him again and informed them he was out of the area. The suspect is still wanted by the New Castle County Police.


Delaware Domestic Violence Law            

                 Delaware law defines domestic violence as abuse between family, parents of the same child, cohabitants of the same home, and dating couples. Abuse refers to intentionally inflicting physical or emotional harm as well as damage to someone else’s property, and several other violent acts deemed threatening or harmful by the court. Domestic violence is not punished as a crime separately from the violent act that takes place. However, court orders are available for protection and violation of those orders will result in a criminal charge. Domestic violence matters that are misdemeanors are handled by the Family Court in Delaware. Something called first offender status if offered to people charged with certain offenses. If the request is granted, the defendant will plead guilty, but the court will not enter a judgment of guilt. Instead, the offender is put on probation for a year and must complete a counseling problem as well as complete any treatment needed.

Finding Help

                There are many different resources victims of domestic violence can seek help from. Petitions for protection can be filed through the Family Court for protective orders. The Delaware State Police offer victim assistance through their website and also have a 24-hour Crisis Hotline. Victim compensation is also available is needed. Women who are victims of domestic violence that have been charged with a crime can seek help from the National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women.

Delaware State Police Crisis Emergency Hotline- 1-800-VICTIM-1 or http://dsp.delaware.gov/vs.shtml

Victim Compensation Assistance Program- 302-255-1770 or http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/VCAP/

National Clearinghouse for the Defense of Battered Women- 1-800-903-0111 http://www.ncdbw.org/

Here are two songs about domestic violence that I have always enjoyed. They both have a very powerful message.

Runaway Love- Ludacris ft. Mary J. Blige

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ISvMS6s41vY

This song is about children experiencing domestic violence and running away to escape it.

Goodbye Earl- Dixie Chicks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw7gNf_9njs

This is a song about a woman who is abused by her husband and how she deals with it.