by Ronni Mott
January 10, 2012

Also see: JFP Domestic Abuse Archive and 2008 investigation of Barbour’s domestic pardons.

Gov. Haley Barbour‘s pardons constitute a danger to the Mississippians the now former governor supposedly served.

During his final weekend in office, Barbour pardoned four killers and a three-strike burglar. Among the five were two men, David Glenn Gatlin and Anthony McCray, who murdered their wives. Their pardons bring Barbour’s tally for releasing intimate-partner killers of women to six.

Domestic-violence offenders aren’t picky about who they abuse.

“Statistically, these type offenders will offend again,” said Sandy Middleton, executive director of the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl, which conducts a court-ordered batterers’ intervention program in central Mississippi. “A domestic-violence offender is going to have repeat victims, numerous victims, throughout his lifetime unless his core belief system is changed.”

The social malfunction for domestic-violence perpetrators is not simply anger aimed at a specific person, and it takes specific techniques to change abusive behavior. Those techniques are not being used at Parchman, said Chris Epps, commissioner of the Mississippi Department of Corrections in a phone interview yesterday.

“So, unless Marsha (Barbour) is holding classes over at the mansion, we have to assume that they hadn’t had any specific intervention for not only being a domestic-violence offenders, but being domestic-violence murderers,” Middleton said.

“(Domestic violence is) rooted in power and control, and it’s rooted in the core belief that they have the right to inflict power and control over another person–another person being an intimate partner. It stands to reason that unless (abusers) have some type of intervention or effective counseling, as soon as they get on the outside and choose another intimate partner that the same cycle will begin again.”

Barbour is also sending the exact wrong message to the thousands of Mississippians who are on the receiving end of violence from their intimate partners. Organizations such as the CVP, the attorney general’s office and the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence have worked hard in the state to train law enforcement and others within the justice system on how to appropriately respond to domestic violence and keep victims safe.

“The criminal-justice system works here,” Middleton said. “Law enforcement did their jobs.”

But Barbour’s pardons “flies in the face” of the people who work hard to get these offenders away from their victims, she added, in addition to the victims themselves.

“It just puts us back to square one,” when it comes to the people at the receiving end of the violence, Middleton said. The message Barbour sends to them is that “You can’t trust us, because we’re really not going to protect you.”

by Ronni Mott
January 4, 2012

With all the new faces in the Mississippi Legislature this year, advocates for new and strengthened laws to protect victims of domestic violence are being non-committal about the specific legislation they plan to introduce during this year’s session.

Women’s advocates all seem to agree on one thing, though: Former Rep. Brandon Jones, D-Pascagoula, will be missed. During his tenure in the state House of Representatives, Jones sponsored several bills to help protect domestic-violence victims, including one to strengthen the state’s stalking laws and another to add strangulation to the list of aggravating actions that increase a domestic assault charge from a misdemeanor to a felony.

Jones’ passion for the issue came from his constituents’ outrage when, in 2008, Gov. Haley Barbour suspended Michael Graham’s life sentence for murdering his ex-wife, Adrienne Klasky. (Graham was one of four domestic murderers the governor pardoned during his tenure.)

Graham spent years abusing and stalking Klasky. Then, on April 7, 1989, he pulled up alongside her and shot her in the head as she was waiting for a light to change in downtown Pascagoula. Jones went as far as introducing a bill to add accountability to the governor’s pardoning powers, such as getting advice from the parole board and providing notification to the victim’s family. That bill, unlike many others he introduced, went nowhere.

“He was a tremendous leader on this issue,” said Sen. David Blount, D-Jackson, about Jones. “I’m hoping to find someone who can pick up the mantle.”

On the Senate side of the state capitol, Blount has also sponsored numerous domestic-violence bills; however, he would not reveal a game plan for the 2012 session. The senator indicated that Attorney General Jim Hood generally led the charge on those issues, and although they have spoken, Blount was keeping mum. Hood did not respond to our request for an interview.

“We haven’t finalized everything,” Blount said, adding that he intends to work hard on whatever package of bills Hood intends to propose.

Sandy Middleton, executive director of the Center for Violence Prevention in Pearl and a regular victim’s advocate at the capitol, wasn’t quite as reticent to speak, although she, too, indicated that nothing was written in stone, yet. Until advocates know who will be chairing committees, Middleton said, it’s unproductive to finalize strategy and a specific action list.

That doesn’t mean she’s without a wish list for legislation. Middleton mentioned three areas where additional legislation would help protect victims: strengthening confidentiality laws for shelter records; going statewide with a batterer’s intervention program; and giving victims of domestic violence an easier path to divorce.

Regarding strengthening confidentiality for shelter records, Middleton said that much of the information victims provide to shelters or victims’ advocates, such as where they’re living, could put victims in danger if it were to fall into the wrong hands. Additionally, she’s not thrilled to provide abusers potential ammunition against their victims to be used in child custody or divorce proceedings. Mississippi courts, she indicated, frequently side with attorneys representing batterers in such cases instead of with their victims.

“It’s important to develop trust,” Middleton said of the relationship between shelters and their clients. Victims need to know that the details of their lives are safe with the people and organizations they have turned to for help.

In 2009, the center spearheaded an effort to bring a batterer’s intervention program to the Jackson area, and its program is still the only one of its kind in Mississippi. The program has succeeded everywhere the CVP has instituted a program, and Middleton said that she would like to see Mississippi adopt the intervention model statewide, providing additional resources and covering a wider area than the CVP can hope to do.

“It’s a proven program,” she said, citing a recidivism rate of less than 1 percent for the hundreds of men and women who have completed the program offered through the CVP. Judges sentence batterers to attend the 12-week program in lieu of putting them in jail or simply setting them free.

Unlike anger management, the BIP focuses on examining and changing batterers’ core beliefs toward their victims. The program gets to the root of the belief systems—power and control issues, for example, or male privilege—that keep the cycle of violence in place, thus allowing for fundamental changes in thinking and behavior.

Regarding the state’s stringent divorce laws, Middleton doesn’t see a lot of hope in pushing for laws friendlier to victims; however, that doesn’t keep her from advocating for change. Divorce is often the final bit of power a batterer can keep over his or her victim, she said, and Mississippi’s laws don’t make divorce easy or affordable.

“The offenders are just having fun,” she said of batterers who often drag out divorce proceedings for years, forcing their victims to spend thousands of dollars and hours reliving traumatic events.

“It’s victimizing them all over again.”

 Hope to Crack Down on Offenders

Published by Daniel Cherry on 12 Dec 2011 06:22pm

Anti-domestic violence advocates are getting tough on those who commit abuse. MPB’s Daniel Cherry reports how officials are using one Mississippi city’s approach as an example of how to reform offenders.

The Center for Violence Prevention gave their annual Angel Award to the Clinton Municipal Court yesterday for their efforts in assisting victims while still prosecuting and rehabilitating offenders. Judge Steven Nixon says part of their success comes from not dropping domestic violence cases, even if victims ask them to.

“We approach it from the standpoint of, ‘No a charge was filed. Something happened, and we can’t just pretend that it didn’t.’ That’s not going to do anything to address what happened. And also I think the reasons why victims will say that are different.”

Nixon says many times victims will be pressured or threatened into dropping charges. The court is just one using a system called the Batterer’s Intervention Program in which offenders must attend rehabilitation to avoid further jail time. Sandy Middleton, the Executive Director of the Center for Violence Prevention, says that’s the key to solving the root of the problem.

“Domestic violence is cyclical. If you can engage with the offender and change the offender’s behavior then you’re starting to make a difference. You’re starting to change the cycle and break the cycle.”

About 73% of boys who witness domestic violence in their home grow up to commit violence themselves. Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood says the program’s successes make it a candidate for use across the state.

“I came out here to Clinton to see what they’re doing in hopes we can use it as a model. This year we intend to introduce legislation to at least get a pilot project started where they have this offender training.”

Less than one percent of offenders completing the Batterer’s Intervention Program continue to commit domestic violence.

Judge Steven Nixon

Posted: Jul 09, 2011 10:54 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 09, 2011 10:54 PM CDT
It is the biggest turn out yet for the annual Jackson Free Press Chick Ball held at Hal and Mal’s in downtown Jackson.

For the seventh year in a row the JFP is throwing a party in celebration of women.

Pink and yellow baby chicks set the decor as local musicians croon to the crowd.

A silent auction filled with art, instruments and gift cards was a popular stop for those in attendance. The fun event touches on a serious subject, fighting domestic abuse.

“A positive celebration of women and that by women and men and its just this wonderfully diverse event and then ultimately raise awareness about domestic abuse,” said Jackson Free Press Editor, Donna Ladd.

“Rural victims are already very isolated with lack of services and so we’re going to make an extra effort with the foods that we raise this year to reach the victims in rural areas,” added Executive Director for the Center For Violence Prevention, Sandy Middleton.

Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved.

Pendleton Had Been Sentenced To Probation
POSTED: 3:50 pm CST December 7, 2010
UPDATED: 5:18 pm CST December 7, 2010

BROOKHAVEN, Miss. — A bond hearing was postponed on Tuesday for a Brookhaven man accused in his wife’s death.

A judge granted a request for more time from a newly hired attorney for James Pendleton.

Pendleton is charged with murder and is accused of shooting his wife, Gail Coone Pendleton, 29, to death on Saturday, police said. Investigators said when officers arrived at the couple’s home after the shooting, James Pendleton walked out with his hands up and said, “I did it.”

According to District Attorney Dee Bates, Brookhaven police arrested James Pendleton last month for hitting his wife.

Resident Connie Page was in court in November for a traffic ticket on the day James Pendleton appeared in court. She said the judge didn’t order James Pendleton to stay away from his wife Gail.

“He said if they can’t get along, then they shouldn’t be around each other,” Page said. “(Pendleton) said they lived together, so there was no way they couldn’t be around each other.”

Gail Coone Pendleton More

James Pendleton was charged with a misdemeanor and sentenced to six months of probation. Bates said the only prior arrests James Pendleton had were for a trespassing charge and a public drunkenness charge in the 90s. A bad check writing charge was dropped against him in 2007, court officials said.

Bates said there were indications that James Pendleton would later be accused in his wife’s slaying.

“I am sure the officers did what they were trained to do when they went there. I am sure unfortunately, you go from a misdemeanor to a felony, so it’s a tragic situation. Obviously if the officers would have known what they know today, things could have potentially been different, but we don’t know what the future brings,” Bates said.

Brookhaven Police Chief “Pap” Henderson said victims have to use common sense.

“Someone has got to have enough sense to walk away,” Henderson told 16 WAPT News on Monday.

“Perhaps the victim was not aware of the services available to her,” said Sandy Middleton of the Center for Violence Prevention.

Middleton said she worries that the chief’s message might discourage victims of domestic violence from seeking help. She said, by law, all agencies are required to let victims know they have options.

“And to pave a way to let them know they have some different choices than remaining in the violence,” Middleton said.

Middleton said that there are options for victims of domestic violence to get help by calling 800-266-4198.

James Pendleton was being held without bond Tuesday at the Lincoln County Jail. He’s scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 14.

Read more: http://www.wapt.com/news/26051226/detail.html#ixzz1jNGOa3ze

by Valerie Wells
Dec. 12, 2011

Victims of domestic violence have a strong resource in the Clinton Municipal Court.

Today, the Center for Violence Prevention awarded the Clinton Municipal Court with a 2011 Angel Award. The center partners with Clinton Municipal Court to provide services for domestic violence victims, while advocating for the prosecution and rehabilitation of offenders.

“This award is symbolic to the Center for Violence Prevention in a variety of ways,” Sandy Middleton, CVP executive director, said in a statement.

“Not only does it illustrate our pride in Clinton’s Court performance, but also, it gives us hope and strength to continue what we do. Domestic violence is not going away and deserves very serious attention. We are so thankful Clinton Court is helping us in efforts to keep victims safe, in addition to vigorously hearing domestic violence cases and encouraging intervention programs for abusers.”

The feelings are mutual. “We sincerely appreciate the center’s efforts in helping to prevent recidivism in domestic violence cases and in seeking to deal with the root issues that lead to domestic violence,” Judge Steven Price Nixon said in a statement.

“We have had notable success with their program, as reflected by the low rates of recidivism we see in our court, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”

With the help of the CVP, Clinton Municipal Court officials and others have a new insight into the dynamics of domestic violence, which changes the impulse to blame victims, Middleton stated. “In every instance of domestic abuse, offenders decide to abuse. Violent episodes are not caused by alcohol, drugs, or stress but are simply excuses to justify the behavior,” she said.

“Clinton’s judges and court officials concede that domestic violence is not a one-time loss of control, but rather a mechanism of ongoing power and control,” said Middleton.

With that perception in mind, Clinton officials do not hesitate to order jail time or participation in the center’s Batterer’s Intervention Program, Middleton said. The center serves about 100 offenders in a program based on the nationally successful Duluth Model that demands accountability from offenders, while teaching non-violent behavior, Middleton said.

“Recidivism rates for program participants are less than 1 percent, proving that the behavior modification works, as long as courts stand behind it,” she said.

The Center for Violence Prevention advocates that every person has the right to life free from violence. The center offers survivors a crisis line, emergency shelter, and a full service advocacy program, while operating a successful offender program. If you need help, or for more information, call 601-932-4198 or 800-266-4198.

Come join in a powerful and positive expression of commu…nity support. Together, we can break the cycles of abuse and fear in our communities.

Registration begins at 8:30 with the Yoga Mala commencing at 9. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring water and a yoga mat. Refreshments will be provided.

Free training classes starting:

Butterfly January 7 and 21 @12PM

Joyflow January 21,28 and February 4 and 11 @ 12:30PM

Studio OM January 26 and February 2,9,16 @ 530PM

Matworks January 21,28 and February 4, 11 @ 9:30 AM
January 25 and February 1,8,15 @ 10AM

Questions? Call 601.932.4198 ]]> http://mscvp.org/yoga-for-non-violence-2012/feed/ 0 http://mscvp.org/2008-chickballfreedom-van/ http://mscvp.org/2008-chickballfreedom-van/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 21:48:24 +0000 admin http://mscvp.org/?p=248 2008 Chickball

Once a year, some of the coolest chicks of all, the Jackson Free Press chicks, host an event that makes such a difference, you just have to be a part!

To read more…click below

2008 Chickball/Freedom Van Now

Sponsorships available at http://cvpmaskball.eventbrite.com

Sponsorship Levels

Phantom/$2500

• Business name/logo prominently displayed on all advertising and marketing materials
• Recognized as a Phantom sponsor
• Banner displayed at event
• 10 tickets to event and Patron Party
• Complimentary Specialty Masks

 Gondola/$1500

• Business name/logo displayed on all advertising and marketing materials
• Recognized as a Gondola sponsor
• 6 tickets to event and Patron Party
• Complimentary Specialty Masks

 Fountain/$500

• Business name/logo displayed on all advertising and marketing materials
• Recognized as a Fountain sponsor
• 2 tickets to event and Patron Party
• Complimentary Specialty Masks

Your sponsorship directly supports The Center’s efforts by providing:

• Trained staff to answer crisis calls 24 hours, seven days a week
• Emergency housing, food and shelter
• medical assistance
• Therapy
• Case management
• Advocacy
• Continuing education
• Job-training and employment services
• Transportation
• On-site Childcare
• Non-residential services
• Aftercare
• Barterer’s Intervention Program

During this exciting Venetian-based event, party attendees will be treated to gourmet foods and drinks, while opting to either dance to a top-hits band or relax to piano performances by local artists.  Masks are required and will be at the entrance at multiple price points. 

Event features: Stunning Venetian-based décor with multitude of candelabras will set the mood. Pasta and delicious deserts will be included, with a full cash bar and a signature cocktail. Set in the beautiful Capital Club overlooking the beautiful night sky of the Capital City, the Masquerade Ball promises to be a well-attended yearly success!

Never done a sun salutation, much less 108 of them? That’s okay. All levels of ability and endurance are welcome to participate. Come join in a powerful and positive expression of community support. Together, we can break the cycles of abuse and fear in our communities.

Invite your friends to participate, or support the cause with a tax-deductible donation!

Please visit us on http://yogafornonviolence2011.eventbrite.com