PETITION FOR LORRAINE TIPTON AND MICHAELA
Lorraine Tipton is a concerned and caring mother who has tried for the past three years to obey a court order even though it meant forcing her daughter to go and stay with her sexually, and otherwise, abusive father. Michaela (now 11 yrs old) says that she is absolutely terrified of going to her father%u2019s, that she is not safe with him, and now insists that she simply can and will not go. Lorraine has spoken with her daughter, but can no longer find it within herself to force her daughter to willingly accept further abuse.
Today, Judge Miron of Marrinette County, Wi, sentenced Lorraine to 30 days in jail. She was taken immediately and will not be let out unless Michaela goes with her father, and Lorraine%u2019s jail sentence will continued to be renewed until Michaela agrees. This is not a position an 11 year old should be put in, nor is jail a place for her mother. Michaela has asked for a chance to speak with the judge and have her own voice heard. The judge has denied her this right. Respected and concerned mental health professionals have met with Michaela and believe she is telling the truth. Child Protective Services interviewed Michaela and substantiated a report against her father for sexual abuse. Why won%u2019t Judge Miron give Michaela the same courtesy and listen to her desperate pleas for help?!
Despite attempts to reach out to government officials, this outrageous injustice has been allowed to be cast down upon Lorraine and Michaela. Lorraine is now on a hunger strike, her family is devastated, and Michaela is torn in pieces. This is no way to look out for the best interests of a child! There are men and women all over the country who have been watching as this horrific case of %u201Ccourt-ordered%u201D abuse has unfolded. We are asking that this case be looked into, that this egregious injustice be dealt with, and that Lorraine, Michaela, and their family be put back together. We are asking that Michaela is given a chance to be heard once and for all. This grave misuse of power cannot be stood for! If Judge Miron is going to continue to put this child in harm%u2019s way and punish her mother for protecting her than he has become part of the problem and should be held responsible for continuing to traumatize this innocent and defenseless child!
Elizabeth McVey
Children's Rights
Albany, New York
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