Thread by @webdevMason

Is the implication here that rape and domestic violence victims should not "involve the police"?

"Calling the police may lead to the brutalizing (or even killing) of the victims themselves."

Horribly irresponsible claim in the context of providing DV resources. A victim is far, FAR more likely to be seriously harmed by an abusive partner than by a police officer.

When I was being stalked last year by someone who had threatened to rape and kill several women, I called the police. They set up a sting and they caught him. Nobody was injured. He is in jail now and he is going to trial next month.

The SVU sergeant who interviewed me directed me to a non-profit for help obtaining a civil restraining order. I left several messages but was never able to get them on the phone.

I don't want to pick on the good people doing that work, but it's supplementary, not an alternative.

I did eventually obtain a civil restraining order — after several months and three court appearances. But because I had filed a police report early, I was *also* much more quickly given a criminal protective order — with stronger protections and no hassle on my end.

In order to get the civil restraining order, I needed someone to serve my stalker with notice. The same SFPD sergeant who handled my criminal case freely offered to do this for me. He returned my calls. He encouraged me to call if I ever felt I was in danger.

I wish I could publicly share this officer's name, because he was my champion and he deserves recognition for what he does for women and other vulnerable people in SF.

But it's 2020, and it's twitter, and I know I can't do that.

One final thing: going to the police protected me, but it also gave me the opportunity to provide evidence critical to some counts concerning other victims. My stalker is going to trial on 11 total charges. Only two of them concern me.