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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 9, 2006 From left, advocates Gerry Sea, Virginia Cook, Adela Mejia and Lezley Sanders talk about the problem of domestic violence outside a courtroom where Jack Sterling was arraigned Tuesday, accused of killing his wife of two years. (Mail Tribune / Jim Craven) Domestic concerns By SARAH LEMON Mail Tribune Advocates for victims of domestic violence were on hand at Tuesday's arraignment of Jack Allan Sterling, who pleaded not guilty in Jackson County Circuit Court to his wife's murder. Characterized by police as a long-term abuser's final blow, the July 22 slaying of 55-year-old Joyce Ann Sterling has grabbed the community's attention, advocates said. The crime highlights the need for a public dialogue on domestic abuse and for more strategies to hold offenders accountable, they said. "Everywhere we've gone in the last week or so, they're all talking about it," said Jennifer Maile, training specialist for the Jackson County Council Against Domestic & Sexual Violence. "It's important that we show our caring and support," said Gerry Sea, manager for Community Works' Dunn House outreach program. Sea heads a courthouse-based service that for the past seven years has assisted victims of domestic violence, accompanying them to court hearings and helping them obtain restraining and stalking orders. At least two restraining orders alleging separate instances of domestic abuse were filed against Jack Sterling within the past 14 years, according to Oregon court records. Two of Sterling's ex-wives and family members of another, who has since died of cancer, said they believe Joyce Sterling's murder is the culmination of a long pattern of abuse. Police responding to a 9-1-1 hang-up call from the Sterling residence found Joyce Sterling in the laundry room dead of numerous stab wounds to her neck and torso. Reports of domestic abuse had brought deputies to the double-wide trailer off Medford's South Pacific Highway six times in the past. Joyce Sterling also had asked deputies' advice on how to leave her husband, investigators said. Jack Sterling had been drinking vodka when deputies arrived, said Sgt. Colin Fagan of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. Sterling had planned to enter an alcohol recovery program two days later at the Southern Oregon Rehabilitation Center and Clinics in White City, Fagan said. The couple were married for about two years. Joyce Sterling's co-workers at Ashland's Linda Vista Nursing & Rehabilitation Center said she had told them that her husband was mean and had an alcohol problem but never that she was being physically abused. Sea said it is often difficult for victims to tell someone about their situation because they live in fear. "We have to be patient, and we have to be willing to say, 'I'm here to listen when you feel safe,' " she said. "We need to speak the truth to each other." Jack Sterling's next court appearance was set for Sept. 11. He remains in the Jackson County Jail without bail. If convicted, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison with a minimum of 25 years before he would be eligible for parole. Reach reporter Sarah Lemon at 776-4487, or e-mail [email protected] . Where to get some help How to get help Sexual assault — Call Community Works HelpLine, 779-HELP (4357). Advocates are available 24 hours a day for hospital response, support and follow-up. Shelter — Call Community Works HelpLine, 779-HELP (4357). Advocates are available 24 hours a day for crisis response. Restraining and stalking orders — Call domestic violence victim advocates at the Jackson County Justice Building, 774-4986, weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advocates can assist with court processes and provide general information. Asante domestic violence program — Call 789-4704 to reach hospital-based domestic violence victim advocates. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews