Transitioning Times

Domestic violence and sexual assault are serious topics to talk about that often leave us with heavy hearts.  However, there have been many positive strives towards ending violence against women that give us a reason for hope. Landmark federal legislation was passed in 1994 entitled the Violence Against Women Act which aims to hold offenders accountable and ensure the provision of direct services to victims. Fewer people experience domestic violence than before the Violence Against Women Act was enacted in 1994. Between 1993 and 2010, the rate of intimate partner violence declined 67%. Between 1993 to 2007, the rate of intimate partner homicides of females decreased 35% and the rate of intimate partner homicides of males decreased 46%. More victims are reporting domestic and sexual violence to police, and reports to police are resulting in more arrests. States have reformed their laws to take violence against women more seriously.    All state...

Voyeurism can be a dirty word, especially in light of the stalking victims that we at Transitions see.  However, I am referring to the voyeurism that happens when people allow themselves to be photographed, or when we see something in public that seems like it should occur in private--a fight, a spanking, a scolding, an insult. Time Magazine recently published a photo essay "Photographer as Witness: A Portrait of Domestic Violence."   I would strongly urge you to view this essay.  Its images are powerful, and it has raised some important questions.  Many people making comments have expressed disgust at the photographer for idly standing by while Maggie, the subject, is abused physically, verbally, and emotionally.  How would you respond?  How have you responded?  Have you ever seen something that maybe just didn't "sit right" with you?  Have you ever intervened?  Sometimes, when staff are in the community, we are as...

The following is a statement that has been widely distributed from the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Against Women regarding the 112th Congress's decision to not reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. January 3, 2013 The 113 th Congress must pass VAWA immediately. We wish you a safe and happy new year!  Over the holidays, we have had time to pause to reflect on our progress in authorizing a strong and responsive VAWA.  Now, as 2013 begins, we know that we cannot lose momentum.  Join with us in 2013 to ensure early passage of this essential legislation.   Thanks to the tireless efforts of you, the countless advocates and supporters, we made critical advancements in educating Congress and the general public on the real needs of all victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.   And Congress responded to our effort...

The Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) has become embroiled in a contentious partisan debate about a variety of issues, including immigration, native rights, and rights of LGBTQ individuals.   We are pleased that the Senate passed a new version of VAWA which includes increasing the number of visas available to victims of domestic violence who are undocumented immigrants, bans discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender victims of domestic violence, and gives Native American tribes more authority in prosecuting domestic violence offenses.   It also restructures some grants and creates new funding for programs on college campuses.   It has many positive changes, but it still excludes some individuals, including Alaskan Native tribes. One of the issues that is left out of the House of Representatives’ version of the Violence Against Women Act is allowing Native American tribes more discretion in prosecuting domestic v...

2012 is THE year to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act. On November 30, 2011 , Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Pat Leahy (D-Vermont) and Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) introduced bipartisan legislation to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). No action has been taken since the bill was introduced, but we hope the 2012 will be the year that VAWA will be reauthorized. There needs to be discussion about the proposed changes . The bill includes such things as the creation of a sexual assault clearinghouse for American Indian and Alaskan Native women. Many of the changes are fiscal in nature , including an increase in funding for Legal Assistance for Victims to allow for a greater number of projects and to address the shortage of legal aid available to victims.  Another proposed change for programs receiving VAWA money is to have it be matched by non-federal dollars. While it is important to encourage these programs and services to secure funding fr...