Massachusetts Woman Sues The State To Stop Rapist From Seeking Visitation With Her Child

[FarCenter]

A Massachusetts woman is suing the state to stop her rapist from seeking visitation with the child conceived when he raped her as a 14-year-old, Courthouse News reports.

Her convicted rapist, Jaime Melendez, expressed no interest in the child until a judge ordered him to pay $110 a week in support, her complaint says. Melendez then filed a petition with a family court saying he should get visitation rights if he has to pay child support, ABC News previously reported.

The rape victim, identified as H.T. by Courthouse News, asked a judge to force Melendez to pay criminal restitution instead of child support — that way he wouldn't be able to seek visitation. But a judge rejected her request, meaning she'll have to fight Melendez's request for visitation in family court.

Unless the state steps in, H.T. "will be forced by the state to spend substantial time and resources in unwanted litigation with the man who raped her," her complaint says.


Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/rape-victim-sues-state-of-massachusetts-2013-8

[Jenoch]

1. Massachussett's legislature needs to pass a law

to fix this type of situation. I hope the judge has the power to forbid visitation by this dirtbag. The rapist got 16 years probation. He should be in prison.

[maddezmom]

2. Unfortunately, MA is not alone 31 states have similar laws

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021178759

It is truly sickening.

[Jenoch]

3. I can sort of understand not depriving parental rights

if it is a 'he said - she said' situation, but not when there has been a conviction.

[Arkansas Granny]

4. You would think that with a rape conviction on his record, he would have to register as a

sex offender and not have any contact with a minor.

I don't know about MA, but in AR child support and visitation are two separate matters. Paying child support does not guarantee visitation rights.