CAPE CORAL, Fla. — Experts say the woman who was stabbed on NE 15th Pl. in Cape Coral Sunday night did what she was supposed to do. She reached out for help, and got law enforcement involved before the stabbing happened.
This case sheds light on the common issues of domestic violence, causing millions of people to suffer in silence.
Court records show the victim filed a protection order against the suspect Juan Nieves in February.
Nieves was arrested in March for violating that order and released on bail the next day. Neighbors told Fox 4 Nieves stabbed the mother of his children seventeen times in their presence.
Behavior Dr. Laura Streyfeller calls a never-ending cycle of control.
“‘I love you to death.’ Or ‘if I can’t have you, nobody will,’” she said.
Court records show another woman filed a protection order against Nieves in 2005.
“The only one that could have prevented it was the husband, boyfriend, the person that did it,” said Dr. Streyfeller.
Neighbors described Nieves as a nice guy, but had a temper.
“He could have gone to therapy, but if he wan’t ready to do the work, it wouldn’t have worked,” said Dr. Streyfeller. Very often, people that have the control, don’t see any reason to change, because their needs are getting met. They’re getting what they want.”
Christine Kobie with Abuse Counseling and Treatment or ACT recommends having an escape plan in place for you and your children when you see signs of control.
“It can look like jealousy…controlling outside communication with friends, family members even. That’s a big sign,” she said.
ACT offers to relocate people who may be in imminent danger.
“Safe shelter at one of our confidential locations is something we would definitely recommend,” said Kobie.
Kobie added if you’re a neighbor to someone who’s getting abused you can be a part of the escape plan, too. you can call their 24-hour hotline at 239-939-3112.
