Slam The Gavel welcomes Renata DeMello to the podcast. She is here to discuss her childhood friend's case. Giselle Smiel is a devoted mother, a woman of faith, and a survivor of severe domestic violence who is now facing six felony charges, not because of any criminal act, but for protecting her children in the midst of a high-conflict custody battle. With no criminal record, Giselle has been the sole caregiver to her children for the past five years, consistently prioritizing their safety and well-being. In a devastating turn, the family court Commissioner awarded full custody to the father, who has a documented history of abuse, after Giselle missed a hearing due to her son’s medical emergency. Just weeks later, on September 4, 2025, she was arrested and is now being held on $500,000 bail.

This well-oiled system punishes survivors, rather than protects them. Despite years of documented abuse and her attempts to comply with co-parenting under dangerous conditions, Giselle was denied a full evidentiary hearing, federally required ADA accommodations, and her rights under state and federal law. Her story is part of a growing national crisis where protective parents are criminalized for safeguarding their children. Renata and others are urgently raising funds to retain a trauma-informed legal team to fight these charges and appeal the custody decision. This is about JUSTICE, not just for Giselle, but for every survivor navigating a system that fails to protect them. 

To Reach Renata DeMello:  rencmdm@proton.me

https://gofund.me/10a46e057

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