Thursday, October 15, 2009

Where's Aniysah?

"Judge Fernando M. Camacho say it isn't so?" 

 "Stopping Court Sanctioned Kidnapping (Story of Domestic Violence)"

 

 

October 14th, 2009 – Queens, NY- On March 3rd, 2009, Aniysah was ripped away from her mother's arms by the New York Family Court System (Judge Fernando M. Camacho) and placed in the care of Aniysah's estranged father who has a history of domestic violence offenses. Since March 3, 2009, Angeline has only seen her daughter 7 times out of 226 days, just 7 hours out of 5,424 hours. On the surface, this case appears to be a simple custody dispute, however, if one digs deeper it is a story about the injustices wrought by the New York Family Court System and how it fails women and children of domestic violence daily, how the court system allows abusers to further terrorize and re-victimize survivors of domestic violence through unfair legal policies. There are more questions than answers in this mystery, questions as to why Judge Camacho who at one point issued an Order of Protection for the father to stay away from Angeline and Aniysah would allow the father to take off without getting any

clearance from ACS? How did the courts allow the respondent father to leave without getting an address or a number?  Why more than 180 days passed before having a home assessment done?

 

Prior, to the events leading up to March 3rd, 2009. Angeline expressed concerns about her daughter's well being, and wrote a letter to Judge Esther Morgenstern explaining how the law guardian, was not following proper protocol and procedure in the case. Judge Morgenstern disregards Angeline's concerns and because she disliked the tone of the letter that reached her desk she issued a warrant for her arrest and turned over custody to the father. This action taken by the Judge is unacceptable and has not only violated Ms. Hassell's civil rights but it violates the rights of her six year old daughter as well. 

 

Just a little over a month ago our nation was dropped to its knees over the Jaycee Lee Dugard story because everyone said it could have been prevented. Well for seven months Angeline Hasell has been trying to tell her story in court before Judge Camacho especially after the urgency of a noted child psychologist that stated 6 year old Aniysah would be severely traumatized if action was not taken immediately. Judge Camacho still went and adjourned the case and to date the home assessment is still incomplete. October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month what a travesty that the same Judge who once presided in a Domestic Violence Court would continue to delay in a hearing to determine the "best Interest of a 6 year old child". We have to protect the children! And, it's time to hold the New York Family Court System and its Judges accountable. We are asking that you visit http://documentthesilence.wordpress.com/ for further facts relating to this story. Also on the website you will find detailed information about Angeline's case and links to a petition calling for accountability! 

 

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If you'd like more information about this press release and supporting documentation, or to schedule an interview with Angeline Hassell.

Please e-mail Megan Alter at -wheresaniysah_campaign@yahoo.com

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