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Show Groups Pursue Justice From Different Paths VOCAL Backs SLAM Savs It Due Process In Abuse Cases Just Wants Laws Upheld By Kcri Schreiner Tribune Staff Writer On April 4. 1984. Philip Prince and his new wife Mollv kissed goodbye before departing for what they thought would be a routine day at the office. It was a day neither will forget, and one that would turn into a continuing nightmare. Mr. Prince was arrested that day less than a mile from their Clinton home on charges of sexual abuse of a child. More than 19 months later, the case was dropped for lack of evidence. but not before the Princes had spent $10,000 on the investigation they say officials neglected to conduct The charge, that Mr Prince had molested his daughter, was filed by his The Princes maintain that she fabricated the charge upon hearing of their plans to seek custody of the child "I was hurt, was hurt really bad. I had my daughter an average of 250 days a year for the 2 z years previous to the day they arrested me and from that time on I haven't seen her. Mr. Prince said. Though his visitation rights were returned upon dismissal of his case. Mr. Prince claims his has refused to let them see the girl The Princes believe they were victims of a "misuse'' of the law. though "not necessarily the law itself." This belief led them to seek support through Victims of Child Abuse Laws By Katherine Kapos Tribune Staff Writer Society's League Against Molest doesn't necessarily disagree u ith Victims Of Child Abuse Laws nor does it necessarily agree But more than either. Salt Lake and Oavis county SLAM leaders prefer they not be mentioned in the same breath, or on the same newspaper pag wnh VOCAL. Apparently sparked VOCAL ; i . r g- - it ' : The nationwide group lohfa liter prison terms tor coir. n mobsters child (ducat!'. n po.gmtm and rr laxed rules of ev eh nee m hild sexual abuse eases In Ctah the league helped with the passage id several bills dur mg he i 985 .state h g !: str 1 isiaturc ex-wi- te But the group's leaders say the-not at odds with t fie other organ: zation. which advocates better safeguards against prosecution of the innocent "As far as VOCAL is concerned, the last thing we wan is see someone falsly accused said Jane Brewer, vice pres. dent i the Salt Lake chapter I thins we are lor the same things putting abu-a-rbehind bars " Ms Brewer, who commented freely when first contacted by 7 m 7rd one. said that SLAM s goal - to see that the laws are upheld and that people who abuse' children are brought to justice So many people are frustrated because their case going nowhere in the courts The-don't know where else to turn " SI. AM members often attend c hild sexual abuse hearings and trials m "monitor" the proceedings We realize that families are going through trying times and if the they want to fight and put tfi abuser behind bars we are here" Ms Brewer . ar- Inc. VOCAL is a national organization s cxpLini d Were really vice-preside- 1 comment on a lor a! radio SLAM i ad r- - sa talk show, who h were against them, league off'i n.s srirn irritated, but ansious to a '.oat ar.y ennfliet between or joint ca r oi the two citizens groups. iCAL has tried to imp!", or. radio shows tt.at they have a o.r- problem with us. wht' h they dor: V m said Davis County league Iri--,,lBeverlv Harper They want to n and I think they re mir.g cm e. dedicated to protecting the presumption of innocence through proper investigation. indictment and prosecution of child abuse laws. Among the group's tenets is that an inquiry be completed in a thorough, manner with the belief that all persons deserve to be treated as innocent until proven guilty." While the Ctah chapter of VOCAL is less than a year old. members say the public misunderstands their intent "My goals for VOCAL have nothing to do with protecting the perverts. The objective is to help people falsely accused know that they're not alone and provide some moral support." said Judy Lagerstrom. of the Ctah chapter of VOCAL. Ms Lagerstrom said that the idea that VOCAL is out to weaken child abuse laws and protect child abusers See S 2, Column by icaders mad' Seeking the proper balance between the rights of abused children and defendant adults is a constant effort. Local chapters of two national organizations. VOCAL and SLAM, focus on the needs of each side, but they don't always disagree with the other. rat a vtg.lar.t group, she add d "We don't go mi the courtroom and demand justice The follow, r.g day. af.- -r sptaM-.- g See s m Column ! |
