The six-day trial last week that resulted in the conviction of a rural Brodhead man in the 2007 death of his 2-month-old son drew significant community interest in the proceedings and outcome. It also seems to have created discussion about a problem that is prevalent in, but not unique to, Green County: domestic abuse.
A jury of six men and six women found Casey Shelton, 32, guilty Saturday of first-degree reckless homicide in the Feb. 28, 2007, death of his son, Christopher. Shelton's sentencing is scheduled for March 18, and he faces 60 years in prison. A pathologist testifying for the prosecution said Christopher died from bleeding on both sides of the brain, an injury often caused by infants being shaken. Christopher's mother testified that Shelton was abusive to the children.
The days during and after the trial have brought a number of reader comments to the Times' Web site, www.themonroetimes.com. Among the matters being discussed is whether the mother is responsible for allowing the children to remain in an abusive situation; the difficulties people have in escaping situations of domestic violence; and whether the local law enforcement and court systems do enough - or can do enough - to help those who find themselves in abusive situations.
Alice Franks-Gray, executive director of Green Haven Family Advocates, Inc., used the timing of the Shelton case to point out to Times readers that 470 people reached out to her organization looking for help last year. She pointed out that the number is likely to increase during tough economic times.
"Domestic violence is not a private family matter, it is a plague that requires a community response, it is a public health crisis," Franks-Gray wrote. "Christopher Shelton's death is a profound tragedy that only will be compounded if it is viewed as one occurrence happening only to 'those people.' Because, trust me, 'those people' are all around."
Franks-Gray is right, of course. And hopefully, our county leaders will take the opportunity the Shelton trial's publicity provided to examine the services available and processes involved to determine whether everything possible is being done to protect its citizens against domestic abuse. Does law enforcement have the proper tools and personnel to deal with domestic violence offenders? Do agencies that provide assistance and shelter to victims of domestic abuse have the proper funding and resources? Is the justice system fair but harsh enough in dealing with abusers to serve as a deterrent?
While the Shelton tragedy is fresh in the community's mind, diminishing the scourge of domestic violence in Green County should be on the agendas of county leaders.
A jury of six men and six women found Casey Shelton, 32, guilty Saturday of first-degree reckless homicide in the Feb. 28, 2007, death of his son, Christopher. Shelton's sentencing is scheduled for March 18, and he faces 60 years in prison. A pathologist testifying for the prosecution said Christopher died from bleeding on both sides of the brain, an injury often caused by infants being shaken. Christopher's mother testified that Shelton was abusive to the children.
The days during and after the trial have brought a number of reader comments to the Times' Web site, www.themonroetimes.com. Among the matters being discussed is whether the mother is responsible for allowing the children to remain in an abusive situation; the difficulties people have in escaping situations of domestic violence; and whether the local law enforcement and court systems do enough - or can do enough - to help those who find themselves in abusive situations.
Alice Franks-Gray, executive director of Green Haven Family Advocates, Inc., used the timing of the Shelton case to point out to Times readers that 470 people reached out to her organization looking for help last year. She pointed out that the number is likely to increase during tough economic times.
"Domestic violence is not a private family matter, it is a plague that requires a community response, it is a public health crisis," Franks-Gray wrote. "Christopher Shelton's death is a profound tragedy that only will be compounded if it is viewed as one occurrence happening only to 'those people.' Because, trust me, 'those people' are all around."
Franks-Gray is right, of course. And hopefully, our county leaders will take the opportunity the Shelton trial's publicity provided to examine the services available and processes involved to determine whether everything possible is being done to protect its citizens against domestic abuse. Does law enforcement have the proper tools and personnel to deal with domestic violence offenders? Do agencies that provide assistance and shelter to victims of domestic abuse have the proper funding and resources? Is the justice system fair but harsh enough in dealing with abusers to serve as a deterrent?
While the Shelton tragedy is fresh in the community's mind, diminishing the scourge of domestic violence in Green County should be on the agendas of county leaders.
