Family questions value of protective orders

To the editor:

The crime of stalking is on the rise and will continue to be on the rise both in Alaska and our nation. Our family would like to share the reason(s) why with you.

Did you know?:

• Stalking is the repeated following, harassment or threatening of an individual to frighten or cause him or her harm.

• Stalking is a form of emotional abuse.

• Stalking is growing problem. Each year in the United States as many as 200,000 people are victims of stalking (McGraw Hill; Glencoe Health; 2007).

A recent Justice Center examination of Alaska State Trooper case files has revealed that the “crime” of stalking is probably greatly under-reported by victims as well as under-recognized by law enforcement, and hence not charged often enough in Alaska.

The past 12 months have been extremely stressful and full of fear! Initially, our family was awoken to a succession of early morning threatening violent phone calls. Next, our family learned that the assailant vocalized his murderous intentions against us to our extended family. A grueling six months later we were again belligerently threatened. We also learned of the respondent/defendant’s delusional and obsessive statements pertaining to our minor family member.

After contacting Adult Protective Services, they indicated that the aggressor may be exhibiting signs of schizophrenia. This antagonist remains a very familiar name to our area trooper post. We were highly encouraged to file for a protective stalking order, or PSO. (In theory, a protective order is the substance troopers need when a violation happen. This would then result in an arrest.)

Two long-term protective orders have been court granted, back-to-back. The respondent has had frequent breaches of both direct and indirect absolute violations. Those pending charge(s) were declined by the assistant district attorney. These pending charges did not accurately represent those direct violations! The D.A.’s decision was based on possible, inappropriate trooper reporting and/or possible, avoidance — minimizing! Deceit is an enabling force!

The respondent has committed the “crime” of stalking. He has not benefited from consequences. He is a habitual violator. He has broken the law; blatantly, knowingly and repeatedly. Additionally, he has no current Alaska driver’s license, no insurance and/or permits. He has a history of vehicle intimidation. Yet, he continues to drive with numerous driving infractions (what do the troopers know that we don’t?).

Currently, the respondent was awarded and was/is represented by a public defender. We have learned unless a brutal assault occurs, nothing but more of the same happens.

Presently, the perpetrator has relocated in our backyard, about 1.64 miles away. As a family, we have navigated through the court and legal structure. The system is broken. Seemingly, the law failed us. What is this apparent type of culture that has been permeated within the system? Whatever happened to justice?

The Tollefsen family

Talkeetna