WASHINGTON — Police say last week’s shooting spree in Prince George’s and Montgomery counties by Eulalio Tordil began with the shooting death of his wife, who had obtained a protective order against him. Experts say all survivors of domestic abuse need their own safety plan.
“It’s important to remember that protective orders are just one part of a larger safety plan for survivors,” said Lisae Jordan, who is the executive director of Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
Jordan says victims of domestic abuse are usually counseled to assess any threats against them and take appropriate steps to help protect themselves.
“Often the sorts of suggestions that we make to survivors are changing your locks and phone numbers, letting other people know about the situation,” Jordan said.
It might be necessary for survivors of abuse to vary daily travel routes to work or to school. It could be wise for some survivors to go into a shelter or move from their homes.
“Today, we often use things like Facebook and Twitter and we tell people where we are and what we’re doing,” Jordan said. She said any domestic abuse survivor concerned about encountering an abuser should avoid detailing their own plans on social media.
Experts say protective orders, even temporary ones, are helpful in the vast majority of cases, but it’s also wise that victims of domestic violence have their own specially-tailored safety plans.
