Up late last night to hear the wonderful news. This morning,

[MineralMan]

more good news. I took my sister-in-law in for a hearing on an order for protection against her abusive husband. Sleepy eyes, but an excellent result. He can have no contact with her and the divorce proceedings have been filed. My wife and I have been working with her for years trying to build her courage up to do this, and she has finally done it. So, good news all around. President Obama gets another term, Minnesota regained control by Democrats over both its legislative houses, and my wife's sister is finally free from her abusive husband.

I'm very tired, but very happy all around

[Whisp]

1. happy for you and you sis in law, MM n/t

[wellstone dem]

2. :-)

I was up til after two here in Minnesota. Got the good news early this morning, and more about the legislature a little later this morning. Then I went to a meeting to help increase legal,help for domestic violence victims. blessings on you and your sister as she moves to a life of safety.

[MineralMan]

3. Thanks. It's still a tough road ahead for her, I know,

but she has her family behind her. I've made it my job to be present any time there is a chance of a confrontation with her husband. He's an asshole, but is afraid of me, so he shuts up when I'm around. So, I'm the chauffeur/body guard for her these days. If I'm there, he keeps his distance.

Thanks for working to help abused women. Minnesota's great. At today's hearing, she had pro bono counsel and two advocates from the Tubman organization there with her. Her mother is covering the costs of her divorce attorney. I think she'll be OK, but we'll keep an eye on things to help make sure.

[Glitterati]

4. Just remember

the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when her abuser realizes he's lost control of her.

I'm sure she's frightened, but it's wonderful that she has a supportive family!

[Horse with no Name]

5. I was just going to mention this

But glad she has taken the necessary steps. Will keep her in my thoughts.

[MineralMan]

7. We won't forget that it's not over and to be very careful.

Thank you for your support.

[ismnotwasm]

6. That is excellent news

Thank you for being such a good person

[lapislzi]

8. PLEASE be careful, MineralMan!

One of the most dangerous periods for a domestic violence survivor is immediately following her decision to leave the situation.

You, and she, must be constantly vigilant. It is very scary. The abuser is furious that control has been wrested from him, and may try to lash out in whatever way he can to intimidate his partner and induce her to return.

Please get in touch with your local women's shelter and domestic violence crisis center. They are experienced in keeping women safe.

Your local law enforcement should also be advised.

An order of protection is no guarantee of safety. A dead woman with an order of protection in her hand is still a dead woman. I'm not saying this to scare you; I'm telling you what I know from experience.

PM me if you would like more info. Good luck!

[MineralMan]

9. Thanks. I'm very aware of the dangers.

We're being very protective of her and the rest of the family. She's already in touch with help, and everyone has copies of the OFP, including the various police departments, and the son's school. I am personally picking their son up every day after school, and am very vigilant.

[lapislzi]

10. I'm glad.

I'm fiercely protective of my DU family!

[MineralMan]

11. I knew that concealed carry permit would come in handy

some day.

[Glitterati]

12. My abuser

Showed up with a gun at 3:00AM and busted down my door.

The day they served divorce papers on him.

My restraining order was useless at that moment.

[MineralMan]

13. There are some genuine risks, for sure.

Some men are very dangerous. My assessment of my brother-in-law is that he is not particularly dangerous, though. I'm still very watchful, though.