Georgia woman says protective order process too slow before husband’s assault
Anyone needing help can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (InvestigateTV) — A Georgia woman who survived a violent attack by her estranged husband said the legal system’s protective order process moved too slowly to prevent the assault that nearly cost her life.
Matilyn Ward said she relives the night in February 2022 when Frank Ward broke into her home, threatened to kill her, wiped her down with gasoline and fired gunshots. Body camera footage from Richmond County Sheriff’s Office deputies shows the arrest that night.
“This whole roller coaster has been a secret blessing. Because of Frank attacking me and trying to kill me, my daughter now is free,” Ward said.
Attack followed reported threats
Ward said she had reported threats from her estranged husband to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office weeks before the attack. Deputies asked if she had obtained a temporary protective order.
“No. Because they told me I had to spend the night at Safe Homes. And I didn’t feel like I needed to spend the night at Safe Homes,” Ward said.
Ward owned her own home and was not living with Frank Ward at the time.
“I think other protocols should be put in place to expedite protection orders,” she said.
Protective orders require proof, witnesses
Attorney Lisa Diefenderfer said domestic violence protective orders are not easy to obtain. In Georgia, there must be proof of violence such as assault, stalking or threats. Witnesses must provide testimony supporting the claims in the petition.
Multiple court hearings may occur during the process, but a full hearing should take place within 30 days of filing the petition, according to Georgia.gov .
“That order can do a bunch of things for a victim, the main ones being: keep someone away from their home, keep someone away from their job, it can tell a person to have no contact with this person,” Diefenderfer said.
Quick thinking saved lives
Ward said she woke up to footsteps in her house that night. When she called out, Frank Ward responded: “It’s me, bitch. Today is the day. I told you – you were gonna die. Today is the day.”
As Ward wiped her down with gasoline, he saw her phone on the nightstand and demanded she open it. Ward quickly dialed 911 and began fighting for her life.
Deputies arrived and arrested Frank Ward. They also discovered he had taken the couple’s infant daughter.
“I was thinking she wasn’t alive, I will be honest. So I was literally nauseous waiting. And when the cop came out, he said, all is clear. You can go get your baby,” Ward said.
Officers found the baby unharmed in the middle of Frank Ward’s king-sized bed at his North Augusta home.
Sentence, parole concerns
Nearly three years later, a judge sentenced Frank Ward to 20 years in prison. Matilyn Ward had asked for a life sentence.
“What else did they need? My dead body. What else did they need to grant more than 20 years?” she said.
The Georgia Parole Board confirms Frank Ward is eligible for parole in 2048. Matilyn Ward said she plans to fight to keep him behind bars.
“Other women are at risk – our community is at risk – if Frank Ward is free,” she said.
Ward said she hopes her experience can help other women.
“And for any woman that is watching and second-guessing their value in life, God has a plan bigger than you could think of, bigger than you can imagine,” she said.
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