Officials say Protective Orders are Key in Keeping Abuse Victims Safe
By: Lisa Carr
Updated: April 20, 2009
Police say a protective order didn't stop one Lubbock man from taking his ex-girlfriend hostage and severely beating her last week, but despite this latest case, local officials say protective orders are still one of the best way for victims of abuse to protect themselves.
Last Tuesday night, police say 25-year-old Ricky Hampton broke into his ex-girlfriend's mobile home and screwed the doors and windows shut so she could not get out. 45-year-old Marcy Pacheco says Hampton beat her all night long any time she tried to leave and she says he sexually assaulted her. She was able to escape through a back window early Wednesday morning, but was badly injured. Hampton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and violation of a protective order. Roy Rios with Women's Protective Services says this case is devastating and unique, and he's hoping it does not discourage other abuse victims from getting the help they need."
Rios says, "Situations like this can happen, but it's still important to follow the proper protocol of getting these documents and just relying on your police department to keep us safe. These types of documents still protect the majority of the population."
Hampton remains in the Lubbock County Jail under at $70,000 bond. If you need help getting out of an abusive situation, call WPS at 747-6491. All of their services are free.
Last Tuesday night, police say 25-year-old Ricky Hampton broke into his ex-girlfriend's mobile home and screwed the doors and windows shut so she could not get out. 45-year-old Marcy Pacheco says Hampton beat her all night long any time she tried to leave and she says he sexually assaulted her. She was able to escape through a back window early Wednesday morning, but was badly injured. Hampton was arrested and charged with aggravated assault and violation of a protective order. Roy Rios with Women's Protective Services says this case is devastating and unique, and he's hoping it does not discourage other abuse victims from getting the help they need."
Rios says, "Situations like this can happen, but it's still important to follow the proper protocol of getting these documents and just relying on your police department to keep us safe. These types of documents still protect the majority of the population."
Hampton remains in the Lubbock County Jail under at $70,000 bond. If you need help getting out of an abusive situation, call WPS at 747-6491. All of their services are free.
