Latest news with #domesticabuse
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Scott Wolf's Estranged Wife Admitted to Hospital After Concerning Instagram Posts
Kelley Wolf, the estranged wife of Party of Five actor Scott Wolf, was taken into police custody just days after splitting from her husband of 21 years. In a since-deleted Instagram Live video posted on Friday, which showed only a black screen for all but the last few seconds, Wolf can be heard saying 'Oh my God. Don't. Oh my God, this is not happening,' during an encounter with police officers. 'This is shameful, gentlemen,' she can be heard saying in the video. 'Look at this, look at this woman, this is shameful. Be ashamed, be ashamed of yourselves, gentlemen.' Authorities, meanwhile, can be heard assuring her 'You're not going to jail—we're going to get you some help,' to which Wolf, 48, responded, 'I know what I'm doing, I've done this. This is my job.' Officers told Wolf she had 'made some comments to your dad and comments to people that are concerning,' so they 'want to make sure you're okay.' Police then informed the mother-of-three that her phone was still recording, to which she apologized and said 'I didn't know' before asking them to turn the recording off. 'I think this is shameful, and Scott Wolf has been abusing me, and now you're abusing me more,' she added, to which one of the officers replied, 'We haven't talked to Scott Wolf.' The last few seconds of the clip show a brief flash of Wolf and two officers. Wolf was then transported and admitted to a Utah hospital, according to a report from People. In a statement to the magazine, law enforcement confirmed that, 'Deputies responded to the Sundance Resort for a report of a female that needed some help. Upon speaking with the female, our Deputies learned that she had made concerning comments to a family member, and she also made similar comments to our Deputies.' 'For that reason, our Deputies transported the female to a local hospital,' the statement continued. Law enforcement also confirmed that Wolf had been handcuffed, both for her own protection and 'our protection as law enforcement as well.' The incident comes just days after Kelley announced her separation from Scott, 57, after more than two decades of marriage. In a statement released on June 10, she said the decision had been 'a long, quiet journey for me—rooted in hope, patience, and care for our children. 'While I will not speak publicly about the details, I feel peace knowing that I've done everything I can to walk this path with integrity and compassion,' she wrote. In an Instagram Story posted hours after her arrest, Wolf posted a photo of what appeared to be a hospital room accompanied by the caption, 'This is horrible. I have been taken against my will. Please check on my kids.' She continued, 'Also… I am happy!! Happier than I have ever been. I have NO idea why or how this is happening in AMERICA. I am compliant, calm, and respectful, and hopefully this is all sorted very quickly. In the meantime, be kind to each other. This is one of the darkest things I've ever experienced.' When announcing their split, Kelley called Scott 'one of the best fathers I've ever known and one of the best partners a woman could have the privilege of sharing life with,' and said the couple still planned to raise their three children together. Scott also addressed his separation in a statement shared with People on Wednesday, and said the decision was 'the most difficult' of his life. 'Our children have always been, and continue to be, the loves of our lives and our every priority, so I kindly ask for privacy at this time as we help guide them through this new chapter,' he said.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Charities to receive £75,000 grants to support domestic abuse victims
Two Suffolk charities supporting victims of domestic abuse have been awarded £75,000 grants. Compassion and Alumah CIOs are the charities that will receive the funding from Lloyds Bank Foundation for England and Wales. The money will be disbursed over the next three years and will include additional development support. Tony Howard, trustee of Compassion, said: "We're absolutely thrilled to have secured this vital £75,000 grant from Lloyds Bank Foundation. "This specialist funding will enable us to continue to work with some of those in our community who are facing some of life's toughest challenges. "With this support, we can strengthen our services, grow our impact across the East of England, and ensure that no one has to face the misery of domestic abuse alone. "We're so grateful to Lloyds Bank Foundation for believing in the power of grassroots organisations to bring real change." Helen Lang, regional manager for East of England at Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: "We're incredibly proud to support these specialist charities. "Each is an important part of its local community and provides life-changing support to people facing the most complex challenges. "Their knowledge, dedication, and connection to the people they support make them vital to building stronger, more resilient communities." Matt Hyde, CEO of Lloyds Bank Foundation, said: "Community organisations addressing very complex issues are often able to make an impact where others can't, due to their size, locality and deep understanding. "Unrestricted funding, over a longer period, enables these charities to provide not just emergency help but also continue to walk alongside people going through some of life's toughest challenges— whether it's fleeing domestic abuse, leaving care, or rebuilding life after prison." The grants are unrestricted, allowing community organisations to use the funds as needed, including for salaries, rent, and utilities. For more information, visit
Daily Mail
18 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Frightening footage of lawyer being arrested just before wife was found 'pulverized' to death in his apartment
Disturbing footage has emerged of a Chicago lawyer being detained for alleged domestic abuse against his wife less than three months before she was found dead at his luxury apartment building. Caitlin Walch Tracey, 36, known to her friends as 'CT', was found 'pulverized' and missing a foot in the stairwell of her husband Adam P Beckerink's high-rise in South Loop on October 27. Beckerink, 46, a high-flying tax attorney, previously faced domestic abuse allegations from Tracey, but he has not been charged in connection with her death. Police bodycam footage showing his arrest on August 19 aired this week as his abuse case began at Berrien County court, located in Tracey's home state of Michigan. Beckerink's screams that day rang out through the courtroom as video showed him being held to the ground by police officers. The attorney wailed for help while a tearful Tracey sat rigidly on a bed close by. Tracey made the 911 call which sparked the arrest - something which a New Buffalo police officer told the court happened several times. Beckerink watched the video play while sitting just feet away from his heartbroken in-laws, who previously won a fight against him for custody of their daughter's body. Beckerink wailed for help in the footage as his alleged victim, Caitlin Tracey, sat rigidly on a bed close by in tears. Tracey is shown on the bed in the footage in the screenshot above Berrien County Prosecutor Amy Byrd said the police bodycam is a key means of telling Tracey's alleged abuse story. She successfully argued against Beckerink's lawyers to allow it to be shared in court. 'We seek justice in all of our domestic violence cases, regardless of whether a victim is able or willing to come forward and testify,' Byrd told the court. 'Obviously, in this case, our victim is unable, due to tragedy, to come forward.' Beckerink's lawyers argued that Tracey told the New Buffalo officer that they, 'did not have consent to come in the house' on the night of the arrest. Tracey died from 'multiple injuries' after falling approximately 24 floors at her husband's condo on October 27, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. Chicago cops rushed to the scene and detained Beckerink, who had reported Tracey missing the day before. They released him after 48 hours without filing any charges. In the weeks that followed, Tracey's heartbroken parents, retired real estate developer Andrew Tracey, 69, and college professor Dr Monica Tracey, 65, battled against Beckerink for custody of their daughter's remains. Beckerink, a former partner of international law firm Duane Morris who had been married to Tracey for six months, argued that he had the rights to her body as the surviving spouse. But as court documents obtained by the Daily Mail reveal, her family hit back on November 6, accusing him of wreaking a 'campaign of abuse and terror' against their daughter during her final months. The alleged torture includes throwing a glass pickle jar at her head and pouring vodka on her wounds. According to the Traceys, their daughter had been in a relationship with Beckerink from October 2022 until September 2023, but the couple never lived together or had children. At some point after September, they got back together, and married in a private ceremony on April 8, 2024 which did not involve any of Tracey's relatives. Amid the acrimonious wrangling for control of her body, her parents accused Beckerink of 'manipulating' their daughter, of 'purposefully isolating her from her family' and being responsible for her 'tragic and highly suspicious death'. To support their argument, the Michigan-based family presented a since-rescinded petition Tracey made to Cook County Court a year before she died in a desperate attempt to obtain a restraining order against her husband. In her October 4, 2023 filing, Tracey detailed three examples of horrific attacks by the tax attorney. Tracey said that on July 11, 2023, at around 3pm, Beckerink stripped her naked and attacked her at her three-story home in New Buffalo on the banks of Lake Michigan, where her parents said she lived to be close to them and away from her partner. '(Beckerink) physically abused me by throwing a pickle jar, which struck me on my head, punching me, pushing me, pulling my hair, dragging me by my clothes, and stripping me out of my clothes,' Tracey wrote in the petition seen by the Daily Mail. '(He) also poured Vodka on my body, which burned my wounds, and would motion as if he was going to hit me with the alcohol bottle'. Tracey said she managed to escape on foot, before her husband later took her to hospital for treatment to an 'open head wound'. In a second alleged incident on August 21, 2023, Tracey once again only narrowly escaped a brutal attack by her husband, this time at his plush apartment in Chicago's Grand Luxury Condos where she was later found dead. At around 8am they had an argument, and Beckerink began launching a foul-mouthed tirade of abuse against his partner, according to her filing. Tracey alleges he 'verbally abused' her by calling her a 'cheater', a 'wh***', a 'piece of s***, 'liar' and a 'b****' before escalating to a physical assault. '(He) physically abused me by dragging me by my ankle, strangling me, suffocating me, slamming my head against a cabinet, slapping me, punching me, putting my head in a headlock, and dragging me away from the door to prevent me from leaving' Tracey wrote in her petition. He then allegedly stole her 'keys, wallet, iPad and phone' to prevent her from leaving or seeking help. Tracey said she escaped again by 'fleeing on foot', this time to the nearest police station. Cops went to Beckerink's apartment but he refused to open the door. Tracey detailed an alleged third incident which unfolded in the room where she was staying at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Chicago's Magnificent Mile neighborhood on September 20, 2023. She said her husband stormed into her room around 5.30pm before hurling abuse at her and this time attempting to 'sexually abuse' her. Tracey did not give context about why she was at the hotel or go into detail about the sexual abuse, but said she filed a police report for domestic battery. Her parents said it was around this time that Tracey temporarily ended her relationship with Beckerink and opened up to them about the alleged violence. In their petition for control of her body, the Traceys said she told them Beckerink had been 'emotionally, psychologically and physically abusive to her' including 'holding her hostage' and 'brutalizing' her so badly she needed medical treatment. She also said he had been trying to contact her 'approximately 20 times a day' either demanding to see her, or to verbally abuse her over the phone. 'I believe if Beckerink knew I was here trying to get an Emergency Order of Protection, he would try and stop me, or I would be at risk of further abuse,' Tracey wrote in her bid for the restraining order. But Tracey's parents said Beckerink found out and threatened to sue her for defamation and libel - so she withdrew her petition 'based on fear'. Though Tracey never secured the restraint, Berrien County Prosecutor's Office charged him on January 13, 2024 with four counts of larceny, interference with electronic communications and domestic violence against Tracey. On August 19, 2024 they added two counts of resisting and obstruction, interference with electronic communications and more counts of domestic violence against Tracey, according to her parents. But the charges came too late for Tracey. Her body was discovered by Beckerink's condo building manager, after a traumatized resident reported finding a severed foot in the stairwell. Cops attended the grisly scene at 7.20pm on October 27, and told the family that 'based on the condition of the remains' they determined that Tracey's body 'fell approximately 24 floors'. Her devastated parents said they were told that 'based on the height of the fall,' their daughter's body was 'pulverized' and 'her foot was severed from her body'. According to a police report, Beckerink was detained and questioned but later released. Tracey's parents said in their petition officers told them at the time that he was the 'primary suspect.' 'An unidentified adult female was found unresponsive at the bottom of the stairs,' Chicago Police told the Daily Mail. 'She was pronounced dead on scene. Detectives are conducting a death investigation, pending autopsy results. 'No one is in custody and there are no updates at this time as the investigation is ongoing.' Tracey's parents are still going through the agonizing process of piecing together their daughter's suffering via Freedom of Information requests to find any further documents she filed with police. But they secured one major victory in late November, when Judge Brian Berger ruled that her remains would be released to them rather than to Beckerink. The Tracey family's attorneys, Mitt Drew and Andrew Cunniff, released statements on their behalf celebrating the judge's decision. 'We are incredibly grateful for Judge Berger's expedited decision,' said Drew, of Butzel Long in Michigan. 'The ruling allows Caitlin's family not only to honor her life with the final services she deserves, but also to grieve appropriately, supporting them in their journey through this difficult time.' 'Today's ruling in Michigan is a critical step in the family's efforts to protect and preserve Caitlin's legacy,' added Cunniff, of Galarnyk and Associates in Chicago. 'The family will continue to fight for Caitlin until she is laid to rest with the respect and dignity she deserves.' The Traceys said they would honor their daughter with a Catholic funeral mass and burial. Duane Morris, the Chicago law firm where Beckerink worked as a partner, told the Daily Mail he had been 'swiftly removed' in response to the abuse allegations. 'This is a shocking and tragic case, and we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Caitlin Tracey,' the firm said. 'Our firm was not aware of the domestic violence and other allegations against Adam Beckerink asserted in various legal proceedings until recent media accounts of her death. 'Once we confirmed key facts, the Partners Board swiftly removed Adam as a partner of Duane Morris LLP. He is no longer associated with our firm. 'This is a tragedy for all involved. Our deepest condolences go to Caitlin Tracey's family. Counseling will be available for Chicago office employees this week. 'Out of respect for the legal process, it is not appropriate for the firm to speculate about the ongoing investigation, other than to say we hope justice will be served and we stand ready to assist if we can be helpful to investigators.'
The Independent
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Angela Rayner praises ‘amazing' Independent Brick by Brick campaign as family fleeing abuse get safe haven
Angela Rayner has praised The Independent 's 'amazing' Brick by Brick campaign after the first family fleeing domestic abuse moved into a home it built. The deputy prime minister said she was heartened by the success of the campaign and urged backers to continue supporting it to go from strength to strength. Construction on two purpose-built safe houses was completed earlier this year, and now a survivor of abuse has been handed the keys to their new home – and a fresh start. The hugely successful campaign, launched in partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, was backed by readers, politicians, royalty and celebrities when it launched in September last year. Speaking to The Independent on Thursday, Ms Rayner said: 'Because the feelings of relief I read about from those first movers encapsulates what a house can mean to people – it's not just a home but a sanctuary. 'Supporting vulnerable families and their children into safe and secure housing is a matter that I hold close to my heart. That's why this government is injecting millions of pounds of funding so domestic abuse survivors can access lifesaving support when they need it the most. 'Just today I announced that we're rewriting the rules to ensure domestic abuse survivors do not face unfair barriers when trying to access social housing when they have had to move to a new area. 'I will continue to work day and night to make sure more families can have a safe roof over their head and I am proud this campaign is leading by example.' The first occupant, who must remain anonymous for safety reasons, said: "As soon as I walked in, it felt warm, safe and homely. It's the first time I had slept properly in months. 'The children are the happiest they have been for a long time." The new semi-detached houses, built by Persimmon Homes, are in a secret location to protect survivors. They have two double-sized bedrooms, open-plan kitchens and built-in cupboard storage space, as well as solar panels on the roof and a private drive with off-road parking. The homes also include a number of safety features, including CCTV, a fireproof letterbox, and enhanced locking on windows and doors. Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: 'This is significant because it helps the most vulnerable people who are in danger of their lives being severely damaged by abuse. 'It's permanent because we aim to build a house that will be there for generations as a sanctuary to safeguard these people who are on the run, from situations which are dangerous and life-threatening.' After the 10,946 bricks were laid, an all-female team of decorators added the finishing touches to the property to make it a true home for those seeking refuge. Every new family will receive a welcome pack with a variety of items such as essential toiletries. Children will also receive new toys and books to help them settle in. To help the house feel more welcoming, the team used bright, airy colours to help 'ignite that feeling of wellbeing, freedom and moving on'. Refuge staff will provide emotional support and legal advice to the families, and will aid women with safety preparations, budgeting, debt planning, benefits applications and finding nurseries and schools. As the house will see many survivors pass through it, Refuge will carry out maintenance and a deep clean between each family. The Independent's Brick by Brick campaign was launched in September 2024 in response to the UK's domestic abuse crisis. Thousands of women across the UK face danger in their own homes, but a woman is turned away from a refuge every two hours due to a lack of space. The Independent heard testimony from a range of survivors, including women who were beaten and lost children, friends and jobs.
The Independent
a day ago
- General
- The Independent
First family fleeing abuse get keys to The Independent's safe haven
A safe haven built by The Independent's Brick by Brick campaign is now officially home to a family fleeing domestic abuse. Construction of the purpose-built safe houses was completed earlier this year, and now a survivor of abuse has been handed the keys to the new home - and a fresh start. The hugely successful campaign, launched in partnership with leading domestic abuse charity Refuge, was backed by readers, politicians, royalty and celebrities when it launched in September 2024. When the initial target of £300,000 was reached after just a month of fundraising, The Independent decided to build a second house with over £585,619 raised in total by our generous readers. The first occupant of the houses, who has to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said: "As soon as I walked in, it felt warm, safe and homely. It's the first time I had slept properly in months. 'The children are the happiest they have been for a long time." The new semi-detached houses, built by Persimmon Homes, are in a secret location to protect survivors. They have two double-sized bedrooms, open-plan kitchens and built-in cupboard storage space, as well as a private drive with off-road parking and solar panels on the roof. The homes also include a number of safety features, including CCTV, a fireproof letter box and enhanced locking on windows and doors. Geordie Greig, editor-in-chief of The Independent, said: 'This is significant because it helps the most vulnerable people who are in danger of their lives being severely damaged by abuse. 'It's permanent because we aim to build a house that will be there for generations as a sanctuary to safeguard these people who are on the run, from situations which are dangerous and life-threatening.' After the 10,946 bricks were laid, an all-female team of decorators added the finishing touches to the property to make it a true home for those seeking refuge. Every new family coming into the home will receive a welcome pack with a variety of items such as essential toiletries and key things they'll need for their first few days in the house. Children will also receive new toys and books to help them settle in. To help the house feel more welcoming, the team has used bright, airy colours to help 'ignite that feeling of well-being, freedom and moving on'. During a family's stay, Refuge staff will provide emotional support and legal advice, and will support women with safety planning, budgeting, finding a safe new home, dealing with debt, applying for welfare benefits, accessing health services, and finding nurseries and schools. As the house will see many survivors pass through it, Refuge will carry out maintenance and a deep clean between each family. The houses were funded by The Independent's Brick by Brick campaign, which was launched in September 2024 in response to the nationwide domestic abuse crisis. Thousands of women across the UK face danger in their own homes, but a woman is turned away from a refuge every two hours due to a lack of space or capacity. The Queen, Sir Keir Starmer, Dame Helen Mirren, Dame Joanna Lumley, Olivia Colman, Victoria Derbyshire, Andi Oliver, David Morrissey and Sir Patrick Stewart were among those to offer their support for the campaign. The Independent heard testimony from a wide range of survivors, including women who were beaten, lost their jobs, friends and children, while others were simply too terrified to leave.
