Wednesday
Jun102009
Bill Aims To Assist And Protect Sexual Assault Victims
Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 5:54PM
By Learned Foote -- Talk Radio News Service
Today, in a hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, a panel of expert witnesses testified to the necessity of reauthorizing the “Violence Against Women Act", a law passed by Congress in 1994, and reauthorized in 2000 and 2005. The panelists argued that reauthorization is necessary to improve services offered to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and to strengthen the ability of law-enforcement officials to combat crime.
"Everyday VAWA funding makes a difference in how communities across America assess, assist, and protect victims,” said Catherine Pierce, acting Director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women.
Some witnesses affirmed that work remains to be done to increased funding for rural and under-served communities.
“I was raped in a wealthy community, with an adequately funded and staffed rape crisis center,” said actress Gabrielle Union, who testified as an advocate for victims of sexual assault. She said that disparate resources varying from neighborhood to neighborhood create a “parallel universe of justice,” and that all victims should have adequate protection.
Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said that: “Women, children and men are actually on waiting lists to receive treatment and therapy after sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act is working, but the job is not done.”
The hearing also addressed the issue of DNA testing sexual assault suspects. The American Civil Liberties Union criticized parts of the 2005 re-authorization of VAWA. The ACLU argues that the tests violate the Fourth Amendment, since the samples are collected before suspects are convicted. The Fourth Amendment protects U.S. citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
“DNA is a very useful tool in identifying suspects,” said Sally Wolfgang Wells, Chief Assistant of the Maricopa County, Arizona Attorney’s Office. "There are a number of crimes that seem to be precursors or associated with sexual crimes, like burglary, petty theft, other kinds of felonies like that. Many states are expanding their DNA testing to those offenders as well, so that - like I said - if we can identify them early and stop even one sexual assault, it’s worth it.”
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, said that the bill has bipartisan support, and will “continue to serve as a powerful tool to combat violence perpetuated against women and families.”
http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/gen/19885leg20050929.html
Today, in a hearing before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, a panel of expert witnesses testified to the necessity of reauthorizing the “Violence Against Women Act", a law passed by Congress in 1994, and reauthorized in 2000 and 2005. The panelists argued that reauthorization is necessary to improve services offered to victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, and to strengthen the ability of law-enforcement officials to combat crime.
"Everyday VAWA funding makes a difference in how communities across America assess, assist, and protect victims,” said Catherine Pierce, acting Director of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of Violence Against Women.
Some witnesses affirmed that work remains to be done to increased funding for rural and under-served communities.
“I was raped in a wealthy community, with an adequately funded and staffed rape crisis center,” said actress Gabrielle Union, who testified as an advocate for victims of sexual assault. She said that disparate resources varying from neighborhood to neighborhood create a “parallel universe of justice,” and that all victims should have adequate protection.
Karen Tronsgard-Scott, Director of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, said that: “Women, children and men are actually on waiting lists to receive treatment and therapy after sexual assault. The Violence Against Women Act is working, but the job is not done.”
The hearing also addressed the issue of DNA testing sexual assault suspects. The American Civil Liberties Union criticized parts of the 2005 re-authorization of VAWA. The ACLU argues that the tests violate the Fourth Amendment, since the samples are collected before suspects are convicted. The Fourth Amendment protects U.S. citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures.
“DNA is a very useful tool in identifying suspects,” said Sally Wolfgang Wells, Chief Assistant of the Maricopa County, Arizona Attorney’s Office. "There are a number of crimes that seem to be precursors or associated with sexual crimes, like burglary, petty theft, other kinds of felonies like that. Many states are expanding their DNA testing to those offenders as well, so that - like I said - if we can identify them early and stop even one sexual assault, it’s worth it.”
Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, said that the bill has bipartisan support, and will “continue to serve as a powerful tool to combat violence perpetuated against women and families.”
http://www.aclu.org/crimjustice/gen/19885leg20050929.html
Reader Comments (2)
Dear Learned Foote,
Thank you so much for posting your article. I am a victim of sexual assault and it is so good to hear more is being done to combat this crime. IT makes me feel good to have the media, and other organizations stand up for women advocating this legislation.
Most Sincerely,
Darlene S. Heckler
I was raped when i was younger by my grandfather. My mom was also and she didnt do anything to stop it. Now that i am older i tried my hardest to put him in jail, but they dropped the case. He has lots raped alot of his family members. Three of us has testify toward him but yet nobody is doing anything about it. I am trying to get over it but i feel like i cant until justice gets served!!!!!