Letter to the editor – Sentence for Sawicki’s abuser didn’t fit the crime

Naples Daily News
To the Editor:

As CEO of The Shelter for Abused Women & Children, I applaud former Cape Coral Mayor Marni Sawicki for her courage in facing her self-confessed abuser Kenneth Retzer at his sentencing, last week. The chilling cell phone footage of Retzer’s violent attack on Sawicki in a Miami hotel room is gruesome and a clear indication of his threat to society.

Unfortunately, Retzer’s lenient sentencing of a year of community control and three years of probation is not reflective of the severity of his crime. Strangulation battery is a third degree felony and a lethal indicator of domestic violence homicide. Had Retzer battered and strangled a complete stranger, there is no doubt he would be sentenced to jail time. Are known victims of violent crime somehow less worthy of justice?

The judge’s order for Retzer to complete anger management classes suggests a common misconception. Domestic violence is not about anger management; it is about power and control. Described by his attorney as a remarkable firefighter and dedicated public servant, it seems that Retzer manages his anger very well. Abusers meticulously choose when, where and on whom they will inflict their violence. Outsiders are often shocked when an abuser is exposed.

The fact that this violent crime happened during a National Mayor’s Conference shows that domestic violence crosses all boundaries. It can and does happen to anyone. As a society, we need to avoid victim blaming, focus on the perpetrator and hold them accountable for their crimes. We will never end violence in our community if we do not first end violence in our homes.

The Shelter’s crisis line is available 24-7 at 239-775-1101.

Linda Oberhaus, CEO
The Shelter for Abused Women & Children