lolcatz1219

Melissa, I'm so sorry you've had to go through all of this. I know that mental health facilities have practically disappeared in the United States to handle situations like this, but do you know if there are any mental health alternatives in NZ to handle her (because the justice system clearly has not and is never going to be enough in this situation - unless the justice system diverts her to some sort of facility)? I really hope this gets resolved for you soon and that you'll be able to find some measure of peace after all this.

I also want to thank you for everything you've done for the Harry Potter community. You probably don't remember, but I was just thinking about how I was sitting next to you and your mom and sister at the J.K. Rowling Casual Vacancy event at Lincoln Center and you all were so nice to me and I had no idea you were dealing with all of this. I know you've detailed how much this has hurt you and your family, but for you all to still be so welcoming to complete strangers is miraculous [must be the magic of Harry Potter :) ]. I'm so glad that this hasn't stopped you from being a part of and leading the Harry Potter community! Wishing you all the best!

Awh yay :) I couldn't get over how awesome it was to end up sitting next to the Melissa Anelli. Also, I can't read Harry, A History to this day without having to follow-up with a complete reread of the series!

But yeah, it's not good enough to have jail as a replacement for mental health needs, which has what's happened in the United States. Mental health problems are only made worse in jail and since they can't hold offenders indefinitely (which is a good thing....but still this is why we need proper facilities), they're eventually released and quite possibly more unstable than they were previously. (Which is not the most optimistic take - I'm getting my PhD in Criminal Justice, so I am constantly talking about these issues and it's discouraging to see that proper solutions to many justice problems are not being taken seriously).

I certainly believe jail is better than nothing for this woman at this point, but it's really important that she receives the proper mental health treatment, like you said she needs, even if it means an indefinite commitment.

As you said below, however, it's going to take a much more big picture approach to fix these complicated problems that the internet has brought into our daily lives - it's a constantly evolving phenomenon, but it requires a dedicated effort to effectively legislate on this issue. And just as importantly, we all have to just be nicer to each other on the internet and act like what we're typing is being read by real people, deserving of respect.