REDDING, Calif. — Over a year ago, KRCR spoke with a sexual assault survivor who learned her offender would be considered for parole under the state’s new Elderly Parole Law. This week, the offender is being released.
Johanna Call says she was only 14 years old when she was assaulted by her uncle in 1987. She told KRCR it’s a day she remembers like it was yesterday. “My uncle took me up the woods and it was a very violent rape,” Call explained. “I remember. It doesn’t monopolize my existence anymore, until recently.”
When KRCR asked Call if she believes her abuser is still dangerous, she answered, “Absolutely. And, I do think he will come for me.”
Calls offender, Michael Dausey, is now in his 70s after serving over three decades in prison. Due to his age, Dausey is now qualified for California’s new Elderly Parole Program. The passing of the law was devastating news for Call. “All of a sudden you’re safe because your old? [It] isn’t fair!” Call said.
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In 2021, California updated the rules of the Elderly Parole Program to lower the age to 50, with a stipulation that the inmate must have served at least 20 consecutive years in state prison.
The victims are not being taken into account; it’s all about the predators, right now,” Call told KRCR. “My biggest fear, right now, is he is going to re-offend.
Call says her sense of safety had been flipped upside down—something that is, unfortunately, common for victims of such intense trauma. Executive Director at Empower Tehama, Michaele Brown, spoke to KRCR about how victims of such trauma have to also battle the emotions when triggers happen.
“You could have been doing well for a number of years, then you get a notice in the mail that this individual, that caused you harm many years prior, is being released. And then, you’re right back there as if the incident just occurred,” Brown said. When asked how we, as a community, can better support those victims of traumatic sexual assault, Brown said, simply, “first, and foremost, it’s believing them…Be that kind, listening ear and support them in getting them the services they need.”
With the release of Dausey to parole this month, Call says she’s doing what she can to stay strong.
“What would you say to victims and people that are possibly going through this too?” KRCR asked Call.
“Just keep fighting and don’t give up,” Call answered.
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