Wife wins millions in ‘landmark’ case

Press, 2 July 1985, Page 6

Wife wins millions in ‘landmark’ case

NZPA-APHartford, Connecticut

A Federal Court jury has awarded ?U52.3 million ($4.94 million) to a woman who alleged that the police violated her Constitutional rights by failing to protect her from an attack by her estranged husband. In addition to granting the award to Tracey Thurman, aged 24, the United States District Court jury also awarded SUS3OO,OOO ($674,984) to her son, aged three, who witnessed the attack, on June 10, 1983. The case marked the first time a Federal Court agreed to hear the civil of a battered wife.

The jury found that the Torrington police had violated Ms Thurman’s right to equal protection. She bad argued that they failed to give her complaints of her husband’s harassment as much consideration other criminal complaints because it was a domestic dispute. “I am thrilled,” Ms Thurman said. “I am really happy. Finally, it has proved that it’s their fault.” Lawyers in the case agree that it is the first time a Federal Court has allowed a wife to seek such damages. The National Organisation for Women considers it a landmark case for women.