When will the rights of victims of abuse by mentally ill people finally be acknowledged, and enforced? Is humane incarceration possible for those who need it?

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The following letter was written by a disabled senior to the foremost forensic psychiatrist in the United States. It is hoped that the safety of the families and neighbors of the violent mentally ill in our cities will speak to the article's concerns, almost fifty years after de-institutionalization.

February 20, 2016

Dear Dr. D":

At the present time, I am preparing to move in order to leave a situation made unsafe by a female neighbor who came within a hair's breath of a stalking violation against me. Am trying to be brave and strong and a competent adult, but I love where I live and the grief and disappointment are agonizing.

At this time I am very bitter, and not proud of it, at the laws which protect the criminal mentally ill, like my neighbor. You know more about this than me, but to see the police legally prevented from taking her to a hospital for observation is ghastly, and a stark betrayal of my right to a safe environment -- one all people should have. She has a paranoid thought disorder with obsessive elements, and has no interest in the effects of her behavior. She thinks I am evil incarnate.

Many years ago, I developed an extensive book proposal on the subject of sex addiction and recovery, and allied subjects like the immensely difficult one of sexual ethics in our incredibly unstable society. Through your work and much new research on the brain and early abuse, I now understand that it is quite unusual for a highly damaged person to relinquish their defenses enough to seek and accept therapeutic help". if they are lucky enough to afford it.

I had to dedicate my life to healing above all because of terrible damage from multiple perpetrators in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood. The results have been a beautiful marriage, my Ph.D., a writing career and a second career as a therapeutic horse back riding instructor. I am also forty years clean and sober.

I know most people as damaged as me do not survive in any way comparable to a profound degree of healing. Please do not think I am ungrateful.

Would you be willing to comment on my bitterness against what I see as our society's refusal to accept that humane incarceration might be the only protection against the criminal mentally ill, and that de-institutionalization was applied too generally?

Chief Justice Earl Warren believed in the rights of all citizens in our courts, particularly under-represented ones. But I think his compassion was too generally applied, and without genuine thoughtfulness: there are vast differences between criminal insanity and responsible people who make their management of terrible mental conditions their highest priority. Neither race nor religion nor disabilities have anything to do with a brain's enthralled dedication to murder, to emotional and social abuse, to rape and incest and torture" all forms of torture.

Having been born Jewish, I feel guilty that I cannot be totally compassionate toward my insane and abusive neighbor. Thank God that rational acceptance of the facts tells me that compassionate people, especially women, have been raped and murdered while attempting to help those who could and would not be helped. And what was left of my attempts hoped-for absolute compassion ended on May 27, 1993 when my dearest friend, Christopher Godden Jr., was murdered by a violent alcoholic and non-medicated manic depressive.

Please understand that I am praying for the deliverance of all who suffer, from Syrian refugees to the mentally and physically ill, including my neighbor. Please also understand that common sense, observation and experience must prevail in decisions concerning one's own safety. Beloved friends on both coasts, clergy persons and counselors are supporting my quest for safe housing and not condemning me for being so angry and feeling so grief-stricken.

It would be a great privilege if you would offer your comments. I have read that you often must tell stalking victims they must find new homes. I wonder how these beleaguered persons accept that. They have my heart. Please tell them so if the occasion arises.

Most sincerely,

Dr. Kari Ann Owen, Ph.D.

Missoula Montana

Authors Bio:
I am a professional author with many publications and theatre productions.
I am also a professional horseback riding instructor and Creative Movement instructor.