Divorce Proceedings Reveal Domestic Violence
Two local women file for divorce, alleging long-term cruelty and physical assault by their husbands.
Sophie Brown brought suit yesterday for a divorce from Nicholas Brown on the ground of cruelty. According to her complaint, the husband has for a long time been guilty of cruelty, and that a few days ago he drove her and the three youngest children from the house. He is earning $50 a week and has a business worth $2,000. Cora A. Newson, who was married only last August to Johnson C. Newson, has also begun proceedings for divorce, charging cruelty. Her complaint alleges that he has treated her badly for some time, and that on May 3 he assaulted her with a knife and choked her.
“Her complaint alleges that he has treated her badly for some time, and that on May 3 he assaulted her with a knife, and choked her.”
While legal protections for domestic violence survivors have drastically changed since 1892, these court filings offer a rare, unfiltered look at the domestic struggles of women in early Seattle, highlighting the precariousness of their economic and physical safety.
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