Progress on Domestic Violence in Utah
The House recently renewed the Violence Against Women Act, marking a huge step forward for victims of domestic violence. This new legislation is more powerful than the older version, which was enacted in 1994, in that it both expands and creates federal programs that help victims of domestic violence. In addition to re-establishing provisions of the older law pertaining to intimate partner violence, it provides newly established legal protections for Native American women and LGBT victims of domestic violence.
(More on News at IsLAWS.com, contact Adam for interviews “adama@laws-info.com”)
Since its inception in 1994, the Violence Against Women Act has provided a holistic approach to tackling the issue of domestic violence. One of the ways it did this was by improving how the criminal justice system responded to domestic violence. It required, for example, that regardless of a victim’s income level, victims are not required to pay for their own rape exam or for service of a protection order.
VAWA required that a victim’s protection order be recognized by all states and territories, and helped increase prosecution and conviction rates by assisting communities in developing dedicated law enforcement units that dealt with victims of domestic violence.
The Violence Against Women Act also continues to provide funding for the training of over 500,000 prosecutors, judges and law enforcement officers every year so that they are better equipped to respond to the victims of domestic violence. Rape victims were more empowered to talk to police and prosecutors about being sexually assaulted after the bill created the “rape shield law,” which meant that during a rape trial, the defense for the rapist may not use a victim’s sexual behavior in the past against them.
The Utah Domestic Violence Council (UDVC) is a nonprofit organization that is recognized nationally as the state domestic violence coalition in Utah. The UDVC plans and conducts state needs assessments, provides technical assistance and training, serves as an information clearinghouse and collaborates with governmental bodies that deal with domestic violence victims. Established in 1978, it works closely with the 22 domestic violence coalitions in the state of Utah.
The following is an interview with Peg Coleman, executive director of the UDVC, on her thoughts and feelings about the recent reauthorization of VAWA, and the work of her organization in the realm of domestic violence.
In your opinion, what does the recent passage of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) signify for the women's rights movement?
I think it is an acknowledgment that there is still much more work to be done. Violence and oppression still exist in our culture. Protections ARE still needed.
Do you believe the new version of VAWA goes far enough to protect women against domestic violence?
I think there are things that can be improved. There is still a great need for support for shelters and victims’ services that are truly empowerment based and not beholding to another system such as police or prosecutors. Advocates are needed there, but there so many vulnerable people who face barriers in accessing those services that are often housed in the criminal justice system
The new version of VAWA includes historic provisions for Native American Women. Do you think the law as passed represents a step in the right direction for American Indian women in the United States?
Yes. A step forward in giving greater access to safety for victims and more accountability for perpetrators.
What has your organization been able to achieve in terms of advancing the cause of domestic violence victims in the state of Utah?
We have an amazing group of dedicated, passionate people at the table. Many organizations and political folks are invested. Utah has very effective advocates that are housed in public programs. They do remarkable work as do our police and judicial system. Utah victims have access to legal services to assist with protection orders. Utah as a system demonstrates compassion.
Do you believe Utah has come a long way since the initial passage of VAWA in 1994?
Utah has a proud history with VAWA. Not only senator Hatch but Diane Steward of Utah was one of the first OVW directors. We still have a long way to go in ensuring there are adequate services. With such a proud start in the movement to end violence against women, I think we took a turn that mis-focused the attention from holding perpetrators accountable towards pathologizing victims. I believe that with the passage and expansion of VAWA we can get back to our roots and open our hearts to all victims of violence.
If you are a victim of domestic violence, please visit the Hotline for Utah Domestic Violence Council. You can learn more about the issues covered in this article by visiting the Domestic Violence page.
Comments
Must Read
5 Things You Need to Know About Domestic ViolenceThe Definition of Domestic ViolenceDomestic Violence is defined as abuse enacted by one or both partners involved within a romantic relationship; amongst the most common examples of domestic violence can include enacting physical assault, the posing of threats, emotional abuse, or sexual abuse undertaken within the realm of a romantic partnership.
5 Tips to Identify Emotional AbuseUnderstanding Emotional AbuseEmotional Abuse is a nature of abuse undertaken through verbal, speech-based harassment; signs of Emotional Abuse can include expressions considered to be insulting, demeaning, hurtful, damaging, and harmful in nature.
Understanding the Different Types of AbuseUnderstanding the Various Types of AbuseWithin the realm of abuse and domestic violence, a wide range of tragic and damaging Types of Abuse exist; although the various Types of Abuse may differ with regard to both the activity, victims, and circumstances, the end result of abuse and domestic violence is uniform; the individual or individuals victimized by abuse undergoes devastation, damage, injury, and pain:The fact that varying Types of Abuse exist may allow for certain elements of confusion with regard to individuals unsure of whether or not they are being abused; while the identification of physical abuse is amongst the most identifiable Types of Abuse, emotional, mental, psychological – and even sexual abuse – can be more difficult to detect by friends and family membersIn many cases, the testimony of the abused victim is the primary identifier of abuse that is not classified as ‘physical’; unfortunately, non-physical Types of Abuse that are not reported may go untreated or unresolvedThreats are defined as the unlawful, conditional expressions of criminal or negative recourse contingent on the behavior of the recipient of the threat itself; threats are typically extortive in nature – aggravated threats include threats posed towards the abused partner, which make mention of the prospective enactment of murder, rape, or sever bodily harmCircumstances and Examples of the Varying Types of AbuseWithin circumstances of domestic violence, the following types of abuse are amongst the most commonly-reported:Physical Domestic ViolenceCircumstances of Physical Domestic Violence are types of abuse illustrating domestic violence in its physical form, which may include the mention of physical attacks, assaults, and expressed threats of violence.
10 Urgent Domestic Violence Statistics that You Must KnowWhat are Domestic Violence Statistics?Domestic Violence Statistics are released in order to elucidate the presence of Domestic Violence occurring within modernity, as well as historically; primarily, Domestic Violence Statistics are set forth by various advocacy groups in order to prevent the proliferation of Domestic Violence both through the facilitation of education, as well as awareness of the tragic and damaging nature of this criminal offense.
4 Facts about Abusive RelationshipsThe Definition of Abusive RelationshipsAlthough rarely uniform, Abusive Relationships are defined as unhealthy, damaging, and destructive partnerships involving individuals who are linked in a romantic fashion; despite the varying types of Abusive Relationships, the end result of all Abusive Relationships involves the victimization of one or both partners as a result of abuse.