Texas man gets decades in prison on domestic violence charges – FOX 7 Austin

Report on Domestic Violence Case in Hays County, Texas

Case Overview

In Hays County, Texas, Javier Esteban Rivera, aged 32, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison following his conviction on multiple domestic violence charges. This case highlights critical issues related to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5: Gender Equality, particularly the target to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

Details of the Conviction

1. Rivera was convicted on:
   • Two counts of assault family violence – repeat offender
   • One count of violation of a protective order – two or more times within 12 months
2. All charges involved the same victim.
3. Rivera entered a plea bargain, waiving his right to appeal and accepting the sentence instead of a jury-determined punishment.

Evidence Presented

• Surveillance footage showing Rivera assaulting the victim by punching her and dragging her by her hair.
• Jail recordings where Rivera admitted to the assault.
• A 911 call from the victim’s mother capturing the victim’s screams and testimony of ongoing physical abuse including choking, punching, and kicking.

Background Information

• Rivera had prior convictions for assault family violence and had been imprisoned on at least two previous occasions.
• Previous charges included criminal trespass, assault causing bodily injury to a family member, and violation of bond/protective orders.

Legal Proceedings and Statements

• Prosecuted by Hays County Assistant District Attorneys Jon English and Cassidy Story.
• Jon English stated: “It was far past time that Javier Rivera spent a serious number of years in prison. He’s a dangerous, violent predator who did horrible things to his victims. Because of the courage of those victims in coming forward, today, he is locked up where he can’t hurt anyone else. Justice was served in this case.”
• Cassidy Story added: “The defendant spent his life trying to control others, but he couldn’t control the jury that finally held him accountable.”

Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This case directly relates to several SDGs, emphasizing the importance of justice and protection for victims of domestic violence:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The conviction supports efforts to eliminate violence against women and promote safe, inclusive societies.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The legal process demonstrates the role of effective justice systems in holding perpetrators accountable and protecting human rights.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Addressing domestic violence contributes to the physical and mental health of victims.

Source

Information in this report is sourced from Hays County and court records.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article focuses on domestic violence against a woman, highlighting issues of violence and discrimination based on gender.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The judicial process, sentencing, and protection orders relate to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice, and accountable institutions.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 5 Targets
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. For SDG 5.2:
   • Number of reported cases of domestic violence against women.
   • Number of convictions and sentences related to domestic violence offenses.
2. For SDG 16.3 and 16.1:
   • Number of prosecutions and convictions for violent crimes, including repeat offenses.
   • Existence and enforcement of protective orders.
   • Access to justice as demonstrated by the legal process described (jury conviction, plea bargain, sentencing).

4. Table: SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: fox7austin.com