March 6, 1999 RE: Domestic Violence Patch / Junior Troop 47 in Wiley Ford, W. Va.

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A.
ATTN: Marsha Evans, National Executive Director
420 Fifth Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10018-2798

Dear Ms. Evans,

We are a national organization that deals with the terrible effects of domestic violence that goes unmentioned – false accusations of domestic violence.

As strange as it may seem, domestic violence has become a very large and profitable business. Politicians, such as Michigan’s John Conyers, Jr., are quick to sponsor bills (e.g. Violence Against Women Act) allocating hundreds of millions of dollars annually to supposedly combat this problem. Instead, this money goes to organizations and bureaucrats who are paid commissions on every DV case they find. If you offered this much money to find pink clovers, rest assured, people would find pink clovers.

What’s wrong with the DV craze? People who have not suffered DV are taking advantage of it. Mothers are encouraged to make false claims of spousal abuse and/or child sexual abuse by their attorneys, so they can get a temporary restraining order and get instant custody of the children with no questions asked. In Dr. Sanford Braver’s book, "Divorced Dads:Shattering the Myths," child abuse expert Dr. Ralph Underwager estimates that 97.5% of child sexual abuse claims have no basis. Parents charged with DV are denied due process of law, as their children as taken away without a trial or investigation. They are presumed guilty. To make matters worse, false abuse charges are not prosecuted.

We would like to see the Girl Scouts amend the DV patch requirements and educate themselves and the public of the hideous and growing problem of false abuse. The Girl Scouts could start a letter writing campaign to state and federal legislators highlighting this problem. Children need both parents.

Sincerely,

John Smith

John Smith, Research Analyst

Cc: Ms. Elinor J. Ferdon, National President