STATEMENT: On the Sentencing of Joshua Cavett
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, November 25, 2014
CONTACT: Chris Wilhite, (503) 557-5820, chrisw@cwsor.org
Statement of Melissa Erlbaum, Executive Director at Clackamas Women’s Services, on the Sentencing of Joshua Cavett
“We hope that the sentencing of Joshua Cavett helps begin the healing process for the family and friends of Jessie Doyle. We know that Jessie’s life can never be replaced. Our hearts and prayers go out to the family, friends and community of Jessie Doyle.
“I applaud Jessie’s family for courageously sharing Jessie’s experience of domestic violence in an effort to inspire support for victims and to shed light on a serious epidemic in our community with the goal of generating awareness and education. Jessie’s legacy will be that of a loving mother, teacher, devoted family member and friend. I have no doubt that Jessie’s story has chipped away at the isolation so many victims in our community are experiencing right now. It has inspired others to get involved and work together to offer help to other victims and create greater accountability in our communities.
“With very little advance notice, over 50 members of the community filled the courtroom and adjoining hallways at the sentencing hearing Monday in solidarity and support for Jessie’s family and in honor of her memory and legacy. Jessie’s voice has broken the silence and it is clear that the impact of her experience will inspire many of us to carry her voice forward.
“We were disappointed by the closing comments presented by Mr. Cavett and his attorney in which they appeared to obfuscate responsibility and deny the history of abuse. It is my professional opinion that Jessie was a victim of domestic violence. His dishonorable attempt to discredit and silence his victim even in her death and while pleading guilty to a brutal murder that he describes as an isolated incident is indicative of the pattern of abuse many of Jessie’s loved ones, co-workers and friends witnessed in her relationship with Mr. Cavett.
“Oregon laws are clear. Any act or threat of violence between intimate partners, current or former is domestic violence. Domestic violence professionals know that it is also greater than a single, isolated act of violence. Domestic violence consists of a pattern of behaviors to gain and maintain power and control by the abuser over his or her partner. Victims often experience months or years of emotional, physical, financial or sexual abuse at the hands of their intimate partner without ever having called the police. Murder is the ultimate expression of that cycle of power and control.”
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