SAVE: National Crime Victims' Rights Week, a Perfect Time to End Discriminatory Practices

Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice, April 21-27 is National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This week's theme is "New Challenges, New Solutions."

Unfortunately, discriminatory practices have been documented against male, LGBT, and immigrant victims of abuse. So we believe the critical "new challenge" is to review and update organizational policies, staffing patterns, and outreach efforts to end illegal exclusionary practices.

The VAWA Inclusion Mandate requires recipients of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) funding to refrain from discriminatory practices, and includes provisions specific to LGBT, male, and immigrant victims. The Mandate also applies to all criminal justice organizations that receive VAWA funding -- prosecutors, law enforcement, and the judiciary.

Attorney General Eric Holder has noted: "I applaud Congress for passing a bipartisan reauthorization that protects everyone - women and men, gay and straight, children and adults of all races, ethnicities, countries of origin, and tribal affiliations."

To support the Inclusion Mandate and to end discrimination, please contact Eric Holder, and politely ask him to implement the VAWA Inclusion Mandate as quickly as possible.

Contact Attorney General Eric Holder:
Phone: 202-514-2001
Email: AskDOJ-at-usdoj.gov

Thanks!

Teri Stoddard, Program Director
Stop Abusive and Violent Environments
www.saveservices.org