A crime that feeds on fear

The (Ft. Myers) News-Press: Batterers deserve stiff penalties for perpetrating domestic violence — a crime that feeds on fear, shatters lives, and keeps communities in denial.

As it stands now most misdemeanor offenses for battery don’t qualify the accused for prison time and too many batterers, upon arrest, spend, perhaps, only a night in jail.

Then, they have an opportunity to go back and terrorize their victims. That’s not right.

High price

Law enforcement, attorneys and victim advocates acknowledge that prevention is the best solution. That’s true, but the person who commits the crime needs to know the act comes with a high price.

Much as sex offenders’ mug shots are posted along with their vital information, it might do our community good to call out the batterers among us.