RADAR ALERT: H.Res. 1397 Commends NCADV for Hateful Gender Stereotypes

On July 31, 2008, H.Res. 1397 was introduced to commend "the important achievements of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as it celebrates 30 years of service to local domestic violence shelter and service programs and the victims of domestic violence." [Bill text (.pdf file)]

Last week, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) sent out an action alert urging their supporters to contact their representatives and request that they co-sponsor the resolution. (http://www.ncadv.org/publicpolicy/AlertsandUpdates_112.html)

A visit to the NCADV website reveals that almost everything they do is focused on female victims, and the "fact" sheet they provide. (http://www.ncadv.org/files/DomesticViolenceFactSheet(National).pdf) is inaccurate and misleading. In addition, the NCADV sells a poster that states "El la golpeo 150 veces" (Spanish for "He beat her 150 times"), which ignores the fact that women are just as likely to engage in partner violence, plays on women's deepest fears, and stereotypes Hispanic men as violent.

RADAR has prepared a flyer (http://www.mediaradar.org/docs/RADARflyer-NoOnHRes1397.pdf) that we ask you fax your House Rep as soon as possible. At the top of the flyer, print "Vote 'No!' on H. Res. 1397" and add your name, city, and ZIP code. In the alternative, please call your Rep. and ask that he or she vote "No!" on H. Res. 1397. You can find the fax and phone numbers by going to http://www.house.gov/ and then going to the webpage of your representative.

As always, thanks for your help.

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Date of RADAR Release: December 16, 2008

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R.A.D.A.R. – Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting – is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of men and women working to improve the effectiveness of our nation's approach to solving domestic violence. http://www.mediaradar.org/.