Domestic violence laws discriminate

After reading "Judge forms panel to review domestic violence court," it is apparent that the domestic violence industry is in full swing in Cook County.

I see the full weight of the state being brought to bear on those allegedly accused of domestic violence.

However, I see nothing regarding the protection of rights of the accused (falsely or not).

No due process considerations are even mentioned or considered for funding. No right to appointed competent defense counsel. No right to trial by jury. No right to confront accusers. No right to invoke perjury statutes for false allegations.

Elaine Epstein, former president of the Massachusetts Women's Bar Association, said domestic violence restraining orders are "given out like candy" with no consideration of any form of due process.

Dr. Martin Fiebert of Cal State University has a Web site for "battered men's studies" showing over 300 analyses, periodicals, books, reports and other empirical documentation showing that men are battered by women equally, if not more so. These studies also show huge numbers of false allegations.

Battered women's groups receive billions in federal funding. Battered men receive nothing. This is gender discrimination against half the population. This requires civil rights intervention by the ACLU.

Chief Judge Timothy Evans said: "I asked the county board to give me an opportunity to build a domestic violence court facility that is centrally located and that separates victims from perpetrators the minute they get to the courthouse," he said. Didn't the Nazis do this also? Separate the Jews from the German people in concentration camps? It seems history is repeating itself in Cook County domestic violence court.

Bruce Eden

Civil Rights Director

Dads Against Discrimination

NJ & NY Chapters

Wayne, NJ