“Your Honor, this is not an isolated domestic dispute,” Sandra stated firmly. “This is a dangerous pattern of economic, psychological, and physical violence.”

She pointed to the evidence on the table.

“The hot-coffee attack occurred after the victim refused to hand her credit card to the aggressor’s sister,” Sandra continued. “Then came direct threats to evict her from a home that belongs solely to her.

And in the last forty-eight hours, charges and transfers have surfaced that Mrs. Foster does not recognize.”

Derek shook his head, the picture of indignation.

“That is an absolute lie, Your Honor,” he shouted.