I wanted to take the time to share with something I recently had to experience. I was receiving death threats from a past student. It was frustrating. I knew who it was. I was able to verify the person with a little bit of detective work. I filed a police report after the first death threat. Filed an addendum with the second death threat. I was informed by the police, school resource officer and my supervisors that nothing was going to be done because the young adult was special education. The person continued to call. I got frustrated. I filed another police report. I was continually being told nothing could be done because he was special ed. I refused to allow this double standard because of being “special”. Mr. Cruz from MSD was “special” and look what he did.
Parents have fought for their special education children to have extra rights, yet be treated as normal. Except when they get in trouble. I refuse to allow that to be the excuse for this young adult’s behavior.
Finally after talking to a friend, I was given the guidance to file a restraining order. Now, this takes some preparation. I had to take the recordings of the death threats and transcribe them into a document. Transfer the threats to my computer so that they could be used if the judge allowed the order. Fill out a 3 page form before even going to the court house. I had copies of the police reports.
Next, go the court house and plan to spend 2 to 4 hours to process the request for the order. Go with something to read and a sweater. With Covid, this was even more challenging. You will need the intake form mentioned above and any proof of the threat. It is done through the domestic violence unit. The intake clerk was kind and helped me process everything. The judged signed immediately for the temporary injunction.
Next came the court date done via virtual platform. I had such a nervous stomach. The meeting was done via Zoom. It was scary. I understand why victims refuse to testify. Even though I was not on trial, it was distressing to have to listen all the recordings again in front of those in court in attendance on Zoom.
The judge ordered a permanent injunction be filed. The young adult is not allowed to call, email, social media or show up in person at my home, work and any future home.
I received the permanent order in the mail. I made a copy of the first page and keep it on me. Just in case.
What has this done besides inconvenience me? It gives me peace of mind. It was a hassle, a fight for justice, and even scary.
I am sharing this because you don’t have to put up with being a victim because the rest of the world thinks that person is protected. There are laws. Even those with special issues have to follow them. Parents, please be strong with your children. Do not allow bad behavior “just because they are special”.