SAVE: The PVRA Offers Hope to Victims

Via email:

Abuse shelters in Washington DC currently have a 3-month wait-period, and most likely, this is true of shelters across the country. The cause of the problem can be traced back to expanding definitions and lack of requirements for proof of abuse.

The PVRA limits the definition of domestic violence to "felony or misdemeanor crimes of violence," so victims of physical violence don't have to take a number and wait their turn.

Abused men who look for help are often turned away, and in some cases arrested. Most shelters only accept female clients. Some shelters that claim to give hotel vouchers to abused men, do not.

The PVRA makes the law gender-inclusive and removes discriminatory policies.

The Partner Violence Reduction Act (PVRA) offers hope to physical abuse victims by:

• Promoting proven abuse-reduction strategies
• Tightening definitions, so real victims aren't put on waiting lists
• Allowing partner reconciliation when the abuse is minor, keeping more families together
• Ending gender discrimination

If you haven't done so yet, sign the petition:

http://www.change.org/petitions/hope-for-victims-support-the-partner-violence-reduction-act.

Also, call and thank Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) for calling for a gender neutral abuse law: 202-225-6565. Link to article:

http://www.washingtontimes.com/blog/watercooler/2011/jul/21/picket-vawa-supporter-capitol-hill-looks-have-law-/

While you're at it, call your own legislators and ask them to support the PVRA. To find your senators' and representative's phone numbers, you may use http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt or call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask for your senators' and/or representative's office.

Sincerely,

teri

Teri Stoddard, Program Director

Stop Abusive and Violent Environments
www.saveservices.org