THE ‘SAVING PROMISE’ CAMPAIGNA Call to Action! |
| Last fall, I was faced with news that stopped my heart. I’d just received word that the man in my daughter’s life had tried to kill her and had also threatened the life of their baby girl named Promise. I called every possible resource I could think of to bring this person to justice – the police, an attorney, a domestic violence agency – and was met with the same response. |
They all told me that there was nothing I could do since my daughter was an adult; and as an adult, she would have to file a complaint and seek justice on her own. At the time, my daughter was unwilling to do so. Something very common amongst domestic violence victims.
After crying for days, I tucked away my sorrow and decided two things:
- they were all right about my daughter being an adult;
- but there was something I could do.
I COULD FIGHT TO CHANGE LAWS!
As a survivor, an advocate, a mother, a woman who comes from four generations of mothers and daughters that suffered and survived 60+ years of domestic violence and abuse, I have vowed not only to break the cycle of abuse in my family but to make a difference for others as well.
My difference? I have founded the ‘Saving Promise’ Campaign which I plan to take to Congress to implore them to change current laws. Laws that I believe have been ignored for far too long, especially considering the alarming rate at which women and children are victimized every day.
This is a movement that will not only change laws, but will save lives; a movement that provides more safety for us all, a movement that fosters more peace in our homes and in our communities. I believe that at the core of this movement is our voice – one voice. I believe that this one voice can change the world.
Thanks for pledging your support and standing with me on such an urgent and vital issue.
Click the 'Save Promise' button to pledge your support!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE POLICIES THAT ARE BEING PROPOSED:
- Family Intervention Act: Whenever a victim is incapable of making sound decisions to protect herself and her child due to injuries and/or traumas suffered from battered woman syndrome (feelings of helplessness, physical, emotional and psychological impairment and paralysis), and the victim’s perception of danger is misconstrued, then the next of kin or significant other can intervene and seek appropriate help, support and justice on behalf of the victim.
- Domestic Violence Assessment Unit (DVAU): Domestic Violence calls are the largest single category of calls to police each year. As a way to provide end-to-end care and support and further protect victims of domestic violence and abuse, it is proposed that a Domestic Violence Assessment Unit and/or representative be added to every law enforcement unit in the country. Additionally, this policy proposes that further training be provided to law enforcement personnel and officers in the dynamics of domestic violence and battered woman syndrome.
- National Behavior Support & Referral Hotline: Battering is about the establishment of power, control and fear through violence and other forms of abuse. An important step to limit domestic violence is to implement programs that are available to batterers to reduce or stop them from battering altogether. A 24-hour National Behavior Support and Referral Hotline that offers crisis intervention, referral programs and sponsorship for batterers is proposed. It is believed by making more support services available to batterers and giving them the option to seek help, that this can deter abusive behaviors.
- Mandatory Counseling for Restraining Orders: Although restraining orders are designed to keep the restrained party away from a victim, oftentimes, the restraining order is ignored or altogether violated. This heightens the danger to a victim. The policy proposes that restrained parties be mandated to attend a batterer’s treatment program. If the restrained party should violate this order, a warrant for their arrest will be issued and criminal charges will be filed. Additionally, the victim will be required to contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline to obtain further support and resources for sustaining a safe, healthy well being and environment.
- Child’s Life Protection Act: As the abusive behaviors of a batterer escalates, it becomes increasingly dangerous not only for the adult victim but for the children as well. Oftentimes, during the abuse cycle or as a means of retaliation after the adult victim takes action, children sometimes become the target of abuse, up to and including, murder. The Child’s Life Protection Act proposes guidelines to lessen child endangerment, further protect children and enforce parental responsibility. Additionally, this policy proposes severe levels of action based on the perceived endangerment to a child, up to and including, imprisonment and loss of parental rights.
- Domestic Peace: Education & Prevention in Public & Private Schools: Growing up in a violent home may be a terrifying and traumatic experience that can affect every aspect of a child’s life, growth and development. In spite of this, we know that when properly identified and addressed, the effects of domestic violence on children can be mitigated. It is proposed that a program entitled Domestic Peace be implemented. Domestic Peace is a prevention curriculum that educates children about domestic violence, healthy relationships and unhealthy relationships. This curriculum is proposed for all appropriate grade levels in the public and private school system.
Click the 'Save Promise' button to pledge your support!