Most Missing Complaints Turn Out to be Live-in Relationships in Chennai, India

There is an increasing number of “missing women” complaints in Chennai. The fact that most of them are traced as live-in relationships is a matter of growing concern, because the value system and institution of marriage in India is very stringent for women. In spite of people talking about women liberation in India, not many women are able to gain respect if they go against the society. Indian society is dominated by men. According to Indiatimes.com in Chennai, this year itself, 292 “missing women" complaints were registered in the city police station. Police managed to trace 239 women, out of which most of them were related to "live-in relationship" issues. Out of 118 “missing women” complaints registered at the suburban police stations in Chennai, 86 women were found living with their partners before marriage. In yet another case registered in Ambattur on Tuesday, a 22-year-old woman eloped with a 50-year-old married man and married him in Puducherry.

Personally, I do not support live-in relationships or forceful marriages. In India, one of the reasons most of the young female adults are compelled to live with their partners before marriages are because they are forced to marry someone whom their families select for them. Girls’ consent does not matter to the families. The debate still continues that in selecting bridegrooms, families seek girls' good future. Legally, as soon as girls cross their teens they are free to take their own decisions. Statistics of ' missing women' complaints and stories of those traced reveal that most of the women who took conscious live-in relationship decisions were employed and financially independent.

Charlotte Bankruptcy lawyer said "In most of the developing countries live-in relationship is perceived as stigma on the girls and their families. According to law, women after crossing the age of 18 are independent to take their decisions, whether right or wrong."

Chennai police warns about the dangers involved in live-in relationships. Women choosing it should have knowledge about the problems they might face. A Chennai police official said "We often get complaints from women who elope with their lovers and are later disappointed. We then book the lover under charges of rape, as in most cases the girls would have been sexually exploited. Chennai's young women may be bold enough to choose their partners, but often they can't handle the situation when ditched. They end up being unwanted by their families too." A social worker in India said "Past experience has proved that co-habiting couples have more conflicts and are unhappy even when they eventually marry. The rejection of families and friends is hard to bear and creates stress in such relationships."

Women who opt for live-in relationships should be aware of the disadvantages associated with these relationships. If they are ditched by their partners they cannot be easily be accepted by their families or the society. They might face social abandonment. They need to be strong enough to bear the consequences if left by their partners. Lawrenceville sex crimes lawyer said "There are many cases of women having live-in relationships facing domestic violence. The laws of the United States of America protect women against these criminal acts." It is hard for the women in India to prove rape or sexual assault cases, if they have live-in relationships. Indian legal system gives lawful wives status to women having live-in relationships for a certain period of time and their kids the right to legally inherit their fathers’ properties. But claiming the rights are not as simple as it sounds. Many legal proofs are required in which a woman’s self respect is completely shattered. It can break a woman completely. I don’t think Indian society is bold enough to accept cohabitant couples.

William Balfour, a Prime Suspect in Star Singer Jennifer Hudson Family’s Murder

This devastating incident can change the life of a star singer Jennifer Hudson. Jennifer Hudson’s mother, bother & nephew were shot last week. In Chicago's South Side on Friday, October 24th, 2008, police found the dead bodies of her mother Darnell Donerson and brother, Jason Hudson in their house. There was no sign of any forced entry. At that time, her 7 year old nephew Julian King was missing. On Monday, his body was found in the back seat of a stolen car with numerous gun shots and a hand severed off.

The prime suspect of these homicides is William Balfours. William Balfour is said to be the husband or boyfriend of Jennifer Hudson's elder sister, Julia Hudson. William Balfour has a criminal record. In June 2008, he was found with cocaine in the driver seat of his car worth $100 (£62) street value. According to Illinois correctional department's spokesperson Derek Schnapp in an interview with news 24, officials who reviewed the cocaine-possession case against William Balfour said "the evidence that was presented during that time wouldn't have necessarily warranted a violation". A judge dismissed the charge for lack of probable cause in July. But under the strict rules of the state's parole program, William Balfour could have gone back to prison just for the arrest. Cook County court records show he was found guilty, in 1999, of attempted murder and vehicular hijacking. He also was convicted in a 1998 case for the possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was released from the Illinois River Correctional Center in Downstate Canton in May 2006 after serving seven years in prison. Balfour was on parole at the time of the murders and had been involved in previous domestic issues with Julia Hudson. In one such instance, he had allegedly threatened to take her son Julian King.

Willaim Balfours denies the manslaughter allegations, telling police that when this incident happened he was baby-sitting on the West Side of Chicago. The case is still under investigation and he is held as a person of interest in the Hudson family's murder. The second suspect is Jennifer Hudson's cousin who reported the crime. Police say that this is a domestic dispute case.

New York City criminal defense attorney said “Before the investigation is complete, we cannot draw any conclusions about who the murderer is. Defective products lawyer said “It is sad that domestic issues can sometimes turn into life threatening incidents.” This tragedy is a warning to people who take domestic disputes lightly. If you are being threatened by someone or a victim of domestic violence, report it to the police immediately. Your report can prevent unforeseen trouble.

14th Annual Conference for Women Police in Portland

A two days prestigious conference for women police officers started today in Portland. The National Center for Women & Policing is holding its 14th annual conference. The discussion topics include, women working as an officer while pregnant, child care and elder care, officer-involved domestic violence, equipment, recruitment and retention. This conference will recognize the earnest contribution of women police officers and award women cops for their outstanding performances. The conference is being hosted by the Portland Police Department and Maine State Police. Nearly 100 women police officers are attending this conference in Portland.

Lifetime achievement award will be presented to Maine Public Safety Commissioner Anne H Jordan. Ms. Jordan was appointed as the Commissioner of Public safety for the State of Maine in March 2007. She is the first women to hold this post. Ms. Jordan graduated from Kennebunk High School, received her B.A. in political science from the University of Southern Maine. She earned her J.D. from the University of Maine, School of Law. Before joining administration, Anne Jordan worked as a partner at the firm of Norman Hanson and DeTroy. At Norman and DeTroy, she practiced trial law in the areas of insurance fraud, mediation and dispute resolution, animal welfare and domestic relations. She was the chairperson of the Pardon Board since 2000. Ms. Jordan has six years of experience as a prosecutor with the York County District Attorney’s Office. She has been a member of the Maine Harness Racing Commission and the Animal Welfare Advisory Council.

In an interview with Portland Press, police personnel director Clarkson Woodward said "Departments need to be aware of quality-of-life issues that touch on retention." Out of 154 police officers in Portland 18 are women police officers including one lieutenant and one sergeant. Sheriff Donna Dennison, Maine's only female sheriff said " "I think women have to prove themselves," she said “It's been mainly men running things. I think women need to step up to the plate and prove they can do it."

The other award recipients are; Los Angeles County Sherriff - Commander Marilyn Baker, University of Southern Maine police - Chief Lisa Beecher, South Portland Police - Deputy Chief Amy Berry, Blacksburg police - Chief Kimberly Crannis Public Affairs, Drug Enforcement - Chief Mary I Cooper, Essex County sheriff - Deputy Assistant Superintendent Carrie Keating, Boston Police - Captain Genevieve King, Fairfax County police - Captain Cindy McAlister and Los Angeles County sheriff - Commander Margaret A. Ruiz Wagner.

Digitek attorney , James T. Capretz congratulated the award winners and said "It is a great honor to have such women officers in the United States." Charlotte bankruptcy lawyer said "This conference is a good attempt to recognize the contributions of women who are making a remarkable difference in the law order & security of the country."

Women - Be Careful of Sleep Watchers

Halifax, a town in Massachusetts has experienced two incidents in which a young adult between 19-25 years was reported watching women sleeping. It can be a wonderful feeling- a woman waking up at night and seeing her partner sleep watching her with love. It is indeed a nightmare to wake up at night and see a stranger sleep watching you. The intruder targets women who live alone or with a woman companion. The first incident happened on Sept. 27 and the other two occurred early Saturday and Sunday.

This young adult entered the houses, which were unlocked in the early morning hours. Const. Brian Palmeter, spokesman for Halifax Regional Police said “It's our belief that theft is not a motive in these situations, although nobody has been assaulted or hurt in any of these incidents.” Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer Alan Jay Braverman said “Sometimes, these incidents are related to psychological disorders and sleep walking disorders. But a man intentionally entering unlocked houses of women can definitely not be considered a sleep walking disorder.”

I would like to make all women careful about sleep watchers; please exclude your partners from this category :-). Women living with or without male members, check for few things before going to bed.
• Cars are locked
• Home and car keys are not kept beside an open window/door
• All doors and windows of the house are locked properly
• Sleep with self protection devices

Innocent Man Spent 20 Years Behind Bars

This case is an example of unheard pleas from an innocent man, who was convicted of sexual assault. Billy James Smith, also known as Lindsey, a 56 year old man was wrongly accused of rape in the year 1986 and spent 20 years in prison.

The morning that turned his life into absolute darkness was August 7, 1986 and on Feb. 5, 1987 he was convicted of rape by the court. Dallas police knocked the door of Billy James Smith’s sister’s apartment on August 7, 1986 early in the morning charging him with rape of a woman. The woman was sitting in the police car when Billy looked down from the apartment’s balcony. In an interview with Dallas Morning News he said “It was like she was saying, 'That's him, that's him, and that was the first time I saw her. The second time I saw her was in court.” This woman alleged Billy of raping her in a field showing her a knife. After she was raped she called her boyfriend and told him about the sexual assualt incident describing the rapist's appearence. Based on the description her boyfriend said he knew a person with similar characteristics. He suspected that the rapist was Billy. Police seized a knife in the living room of Billy, which served as a proof of rape allegation. The rape victim and her boyfriend were presented as eyewitnesses. This false conviction ruined Billy’s life.

Six times he sent written appeals for post-conviction DNA testing to Dallas district clerk and Dallas court but never heard back. He was finally granted DNA testing in the year 2005. The tests proved that he had served nearly 20 years for a rape he did not commit. He was INNOCENT. This makes him the 20th Dallas County man proven innocent by DNA testing since 2001. Only if the legal system had heard his plea earlier he wouldn’t have wasted 20 miserable years behind bars. In an interview by Cynthia Hall Clements for “The Texas Observer” Billy said “wake up every day and go through the rugged schedule, the dangers of prison life, knowing nobody is going to believe you.” He talked about the gangs, drugs, violence, and the prostitution, heterosexual and homosexual, he encountered in prison. “It’s not an atmosphere, a place, for the emotionally or physically weak. Only the evil and its doers survive, and maybe an innocent or two.”

Billy James Smith, a victim of misidentification and false sexual assault conviction. No body can give him back the 20 years he suffered, cried and prayed for justice. The physical & psychological wounds of Billy hopefully serve as a testimony to ensure that all sexual assault convictions are first verified through DNA testing. New York City criminal lawyer Jon Marks said “Sexual assault suspects should have the right to prove their innocence. As criminal defense lawyers we make their voice heard”. Do you think Billy can ever forgive the society and legal system for what he went through?

Impact of Stress in the Lives of Police Officers

A Police Officer’s job is one of the most challenging and demanding jobs. It results in negative impact on the police officers’ health. Research is being conducted by the UB Researches, funded by a $1.75 million grant from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), to study the biological and psychological threats faced by the police officers due to the nature of their job.

A recent article published in HealthNewsDigest.com says “John M. Violanti, Ph.D. is principal researcher of the study, called the Buffalo Cardio-Metabolic Occupational Police Stress (BCOPS) study.” Out of a total target sample of 500 police officers, 400 have already participated in the test studies. The officers were asked to fill out questionnaires on their lifestyles and psychological threats. The psychological problems are depression and PSTD (post traumatic stress). Biological tests were conducted to determine the bone density and body composition. Various tests such as ultrasounds of brachial, carotid arteries, salivary cortisol samples and blood samples were taken.

Let’s look at the results from Violanti's pilot studies. Officers over age 40 had a higher 10 year risk of a Heart Diseases compared to average national standards. 72 percent of women officers and 43 percent of men officers, had higher-than-recommended cholesterol levels. Police officers, as a group, had higher-than-average pulse rates and diastolic blood pressure. In the October issue of the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, a random psychological test was conducted on 115 selected officers and results were shocking. Suicidal thoughts were higher in women working the day shift, and in men working the afternoon/night shifts. Data showed that 23 percent of male and 25 percent of female officers reported more suicidal thoughts than the general population (13.5 percent). In a previous study, suicide rates were three times higher in police than in other municipal workers.

Comparing men & women police officers, Violanti study shows, work shifts affect the women officers & men officers differently. Surprisingly women police working during the day are more stressed. They suffer from depression and suicidal symptoms more than those working at midnight shifts. In contrast, men working at afternoon and night shifts were more prone to these psychological problems than officers working in the morning shifts. Violanti gives a reason for this behavioral difference - "It is possible that women may feel more uneasy and stressed in a day shift, where there can be more opportunity for conflict and a negative environment. On the other hand, higher suicide ideation reported by males in the midnight shift may be accounted for in part by a stronger need to be a part of the social cohesiveness associated with peers in the police organization. Working alone at night without the support of immediate backup can be stressful.” Lawrenceville criminal lawyer said that there is a need for changing the shifts of the police officers. Changing the shifts and observing the psychological patterns can be helpful.

The research clearly indicates that women police officers are under more stress than men police officers. Police force has more men than women – this gender disparity can sometimes create stress.. Police force is considered as a male dominated profession and women police feel left out. Most women have more domestic responsibilities such as family & child care.

These statistics give us additional reasons to appreciate the creditable job of police officers. We get stressed out by small family issues, office pressures and negative people around us. Think about police officers who are surrounded by criminals and violators. The threat on their lives increase the pressure from their families. They pay a price for having selected a challenging job and helping the society to be a better place to live in. A police officer's life is undoubtedly very stressful. Next time when we call 911, thank the police force that we trust more than our neighbors. Unfortunately if we get traffic tickets, before cursing cops remember they are doing a job that people do not dare to choose.

Karachi – A Rape Hub

The cosmopolitan city of Karachi in Pakistan is known for its scenic beauty. It is on the eastern coast of the Arabian Sea. The sea level must be increasing with the tears of more than 100 women being raped everyday in Karachi. Can the scenic beauty hide the ugly reality of these sexual assaults?

Recent news articles show that on an average, more than 100 women are raped every 24 hours in this city but very few rape victims have the courage to register a case. One of the main constraints is the weak legal support structure. Dr Zulfiqar Siyal (APS) of WMLCO hospital Karachi said in his interview with Daily Times “Karachi is also short on hospitals where rape survivors can go through the entire medical examination. It isn’t just medical facilities, you won’t find a single women police officer (WPO) in any of the total 101 police stations of the city,”

The political system of the county needs to take immediate action against such sexual violence. If respect of women is lost, there is not much left. On the one side, the society promotes purdah system (physical segregation) for women safety, and on the other side we see these shameful acts against women. Burqa (purdah garment) can hide the wounds on their bodies but not their souls. Women are the losers on both the sides of the fence. Instead of increasing the number of hospitals for the rape victims’ treatments, it is urgent to reduce the crimes against women. Sexual offenders should be punished severely. If one sexual offender is punished, it will give confidence to other rape victims to raise their voice.

(Looking for sexual assualt attorneys, contact the criminal defense lawyer Mike Sheffield and New York City criminal lawyer Jon Marks)

Daddy Dave- One of the Most Wanted Drug Operators Behind Bars

I think he must have received the laurel of "Daddy Dave" after establishing himself in the drug industry and creating a cocaine ring. 68-year-old federal fugitive, David Green, also known as Daddy Dave, was one of the most wanted Americans and is now behind the bars. He was caught at a Titusville nursing home where he was recovering from a stroke for months.

The criminal history of Daddy Dave is green with several criminal charges including, transporting drugs, cocaine distribution, breaking Ohio bars, possession of weapons and spreading terror. He went through cosmetic surgery to mislead the police and wore disguises like hair pieces. It's clear where action- movies get their plots from.

Someone has rightfully said "A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it". David Green could not avoid the heart stoke and his growing age. It is good news that he is behind bars. The only question is who will be the successor of his kingpin army. Any guesses?

(Need a criminal lawyer? Contact the law office of Michael M. Sheffield or Jonathan Marks)

Sexual Offenders at Public Places

No one ever wants to come across sexual offenders but think about FEELING them at public places. Some women were sexually assaulted by Gary Rempel, a 24 year old man at Mill Woods mall. He forcefully grabbed and fondled them at Mill Woods Mall's food court. An employee of the food court complained about his unlawful behavior. When a police officer came to the rescue, the offender spat on the police officer. Gary Rempel was said to be in a drunken state and is now facing two charges - the first is sexual assault and the other is assault on a police officer.

There have been several incidents of assaults on women in malls and stores. Watch a recent video that shows how police is still searching for a man charged with a few sexual assault cases in the Malls and other public places in North Carolina.



Very recently I came across an article in Blue Collar Muse that talked about a man who photographed a 16 year old girl, without her knowledge or permission, in a retail store. The photograph was a soft porn, known as “up-skirt” shots. The offender was convicted of felony. But the court set him free after few months because the photograph was not in a place where she had a reasonable expectation of privacy.

There must have been times when all of us have faced problems of men touching, grabbing or brushing their body against us. Either we tried to ignore them or forget those embarrassing moments. I personally feel that to let go these offenders is not correct because they are always hunting for new victims. A strict legal action will not only help to put an end to these crimes but prevent offenders from thinking about sexual advancements. Let us be more careful while we are shopping and speak up when we find ourselves in similar embarrassing situations.

Sexual Assault Suspect around Wilmington

This is a warning to women in Wilmington to avoid going out alone at night. A sexual assault suspect has made three women his victims. It is still under investigation if the second and third attacks were made by the same suspect. Look at his sketch carefully and try not to entertain a stranger with similar appearance or any stranger period. All the three victims have described the suspect to be a 5 feet 9 inches guy with dark complexion and resembles the sketch closely.

The first attack was on July 24th- a young woman was sexually assaulted and stabbed in a church courtyard. The police had released this sketch and warned women from going out alone at night. The second victim was RoxAnne, who stopped at a gas station and the suspect jumped into her car. Initially she thought she knew the guy but realized he was not the one. By the time she realized, it was too late. He forced her to take him to her apartment but she refused. He kept hitting her till she somehow managed to escape. The third victim was a woman who was jogging. Her assailant caught her from behind and attacked her. She got few injuries including, a bloody nose. Both of them feel that he is the same guy as the sketch.

We don’t have control over criminal actions but we should try to avoid situations that can get us in trouble. RoxAnne could have avoided the trouble if she had refused to drive the car with a stranger. I always recommend women to carry some self protection devices, especially when going out at night. I know it’s hard to carry self protection devices all the time but better to be safe than sorry.

Flashing: Unfortunately the Driver was a Woman Cop!

I don’t know whether to consider this incident foolish or a bad habit. A 44 year old woman in South Hill was walking on a roadway with another woman after enjoying a hot tub bath at her neighbor’s place. She was wearing a sweatshirt, had towel around her waist and was carrying her blue jeans. She saw a car passing by and lifted her towel, flashing her genital area. Unfortunately the driver was a WOMAN COP. Police says the woman was trying to be silly. Sometimes one has to bear the consequences of the actions not perceived funny or rather offensive by people.

I am sure she would not have flashed if she had realized that the driver was a female cop. Do you think any degree of flashing by men or women should be regarded offensive? If instead of a woman cop, you were driving the car, would you consider this a silly act and ignored it or would you have taken some action? Have you ever faced a situation of flashing and what was your reaction?

Homicide of Three Military Servicewomen

It was shocked to hear about three military women personnel’s homicide news in North Carolina in a period of 7 months. Two of the three victims were pregnant.

The body of 20 years old, eight months pregnant Marine- Maria Lauterbach and her fetus was found in a shallow grave in the backyard of her former colleague and a man she accused of sexual assault. A video interview of Maria’s mom taken at the time when she disappeared, reveals that Maria was about to expose some incident. This incident could have been about senior military personnel, Corporal Cesar Armando Lauren sexually assaulting her. The baby and mother were burnt leaving no evidence that Corporal Lauren was the offender and father of the child. Lauren, the murder suspect had been arrested on 10th of April from Mexico. This video gives an insight about the case.
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The first degree murder of Megan L. Touma is the second case. Her partially decomposed body was found in a motel bathtub in North Carolina. The prime suspect of her murder, soldier Edgar Patino is in the custody without bail. According to the Fayetteville police, Edgar Patino was the father of the unborn child but married to someone else. Patino admits that he was with Touma in the hotel room. Police say that Patino drew a circle-and-cross, a symbol of San Francisco's infamous Zodiac Killer, from a lipstick in the motel room’s mirror to mislead the investigators. He is suspected of being the person who wrote a letter to the Fayetteville Observer and the police as a serial killer responsible for Touma’s murder. He had bought a typewriter a night before.


The brutal murder of Holley Wimunc, 24 year old nurse at Womavk Army Medical center is yet another recent case. Her husband Marine John Wimunc is accused of first degree arson and conspiracy of arson in her murder. The second offender is Marine Lance Kyle Ryan Alden who helped John Wimunc to destroy the evidence by burying the body and trying to establish a false alibi. Holley Wimunc was filing a divorce petition on the ground of domestic violence according to the evidence found.

The stressful personal lives of these young women resulting in their murder force us to think the unforeseen danger tied with these problems. Their professional positions show that they were courageous women but could not fight with hidden murderous intentions. Pregnant Maria Lauterbach was murdered, while she was fighting for justice in the sexual assault case. In an unresolved issue of unmarried pregnancy, Megan Touma was murdered. Tired of domestic violence and unhappy married life Holly Wimunc was assassinated. Two of these issues are related to getting pregnant with married men. This is a matter of great concern. This is alarming news to all women involved with married men without any future hope. It even calls for action for women facing domestic violence. If you think you can be harmed take legal protection before it’s too late.