An Arizona jury awarded Tracy Stombres $200,000 in damages as a result of being the victim of her husband’s domestic violence.  “We wanted to send a message that there is help, and there is hope,” a juror said after the verdict.  “It is so important that people understand the power of civil justice.”  Tracy was represented by attorney Kent Phelps of the Never Again Foundation.

Several members of the nine person jury felt so strongly about the issue of domestic violence, that they stayed after the verdict to discuss the case with the media.  “The need to send a message of prevention and deterrence throughout society through the civil system is paramount and extremely important.  Its nice to get that word out there to people in need that there is help, and there is hope.  We just want to send the message out there that violence will not be tolerated in our society.  That was our main point, and do what we can as a group to send a message,”  said one juror.

Another juror stated, “It’s an example of what can be done.  If it can not be done through the criminal courts, there is a very important place for the civil courts and what can be done through that means.” 

However, as one juror pointed out, there is still much work that needs to be done since most victims are unaware of the civil justice system’s power.  “There is a lot more education that needs to come out concerning the civil suits with regard to how it works, what it’s for, and how it can be a benefit to not only the person who was the victim in the case, but also for the rest of us in society as well.” 

Tracy Stombres said that the civil verdict helped her to heal.   “I am glad I did it.  I got to tell the truth and tell my side of the story.   I was able to express my feelings.  I got to be able to face him, and let him know that I am not going to put up with this.  To me it was a way of getting justice served.  I feel that I got a lot off my back, I feel that I am getting justice served for me and my kids, and he is going to pay for the rest of his life.”

The verdict was rendered July 7, 2005, in Mesa, Arizona.