Domestic Violence Court Opens

Memphis, Tn - Domestic Violence Court is now in session. Judge Lee Wilson will now hear all domestic-related cases, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. Community leaders believe this approach to court, could ultimately reduce domestic violence.

"With one courtroom, one judge, we feel that we can have a more consistent handling of these cases," Judge Wilson said.

Judge Wilson heard more than 150 cases his first day of D.V. Court Tuesday. He expects about 200 a day. Another focus of the court is the victim.

"It's very personal to me to see this happen," County Commissioner Mike Carpenter said. Carpenter pushed for the legislation creating the court because of his mother.

"She endured physical and emotional abuse at the hands of my stepfather. And the impact reverberates today still through our family," Carpenter said.

Domestic abuse victim Linda Seymour survived her own nightmare too, "He had been stalking me, sitting on the street behind me with 20 rounds of ammunition in his vehicle."

Seymour said she battled her ex-boyfriend in court for months, facing different judges, before he killed himself. "I think if this court had been available then, one judge would've seen this. I don't know that he could've done anything. But at least it would be something to consider.”

Also, victim's advocates say more resources will be available here. "Our community partners promise to continue to work for additional advocates for new emergency shelters and other new resources to increase victim safety and policies to strengthen all the systems we are suppose to have here," Deborah Clubb of the Memphis Area Women's Council said.

Seymour said, this new court should encourage all domestic abuse victims to step forward, "When these things happen and you see the signs, take note. File the police report. I don't care how much trouble it takes, or, how much time.”

On another note, the District Attorney's Office is now getting involved in the "Ashley Scott Memorial 5-K." Ashley was killed in November 2006. Her husband, Jeffrey Scott, was convicted in January for the beating death of Ashley. Just click-on the link for race information.