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Press Release: ACESDV in Partnership with 5 Disability Advocacy Organizations Awarded Grant from the Office of Violence Against Women to Enhance Education and Services for Sexual Assault Survivors with Developmental Disabilities

September 9, 2020 By SiteAdmin

NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Jenna Panas, CEO

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
817-939-1577
Jenna@acesdv.org

THE ARIZONA COALITION TO END SEXUAL AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN PARTNERSHIP WITH FIVE DISABILITY ADVOCACY PARTNERS AWARDED GRANT FROM THE OFFICE OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN TO ENHANCE EDUCATION AND SERVICES FOR SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

September 14, 2020— Phoenix, AZ – The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) recently received a $500,000 grant from the Office of Violence Against Women in partnership with the Arizona Center for Disability Law, the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council, and The Arc of Arizona.

According to data from the Department of Justice (2018), people with cognitive disabilities are sexually assaulted at a rate seven times higher than those without disabilities. In 2019, the Governor’s Abuse and Neglect Prevention Task Force recommended that Arizona build and enhance community-based sexual assault services that utilize a trauma-informed approach and address the specific needs of vulnerable adults and their families, as well as a toolkit for providers outlining sample policies and best practices for a trauma-informed approach to survivors with disabilities.

This funding will help fill a gap in services for in Arizona for the approximately 130 thousand individuals in Arizona with a developmental disability,” says Jenna Panas, CEO of the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. “While sexual assault services exist, the specific needs of those with developmental disabilities aren’t always met. With our partners and the provider community, we are delighted to be able to take concrete steps to help close this gap.”

“We are excited that our Arizona programs now have much-needed resources to meaningfully include survivors with developmental disabilities who are so often excluded,” states Dr. Erika McFadden, Executive Director of Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, “This is just the beginning of desperately-needed change, with Arizona leading the way for other states to follow.”

In this project ACESDV, in collaboration with the 5 statewide disability advocacy organizations, will engage in an intensive development and planning process to identify and address the needs of sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities and victim service providers statewide. ACESDV will then provide training and technical assistance to victim service providers statewide to ensure sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities have access to comprehensive, accessible, and appropriate services in Arizona. The training curriculum and toolkit that will assist victim service providers across Arizona will include:

  1. developing and enhancing services for sexual abuse survivors with developmental disabilities;
  2. developing and modifying policies, protocols, and procedures to ensure equal access to services and programs for sexual abuse survivors with development disabilities; and
  3. meeting the requirements of shelters and victim service providers under Federal anti-discrimination laws.

“We are excited for the opportunity to be a part of this three-year initiative with ACESDV and the other disability groups,” says Sherri Collins, Executive Director of the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, “Together, through this partnership, we can make a huge impact in the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing victims/survivors by reducing barriers and access to services.”

“ACDL is pleased to be a part of this important grant to help end sexual violence against people with disabilities,” said J.J. Rico, CEO of AZ Center for Disability Law, “It is in our mission to protect the rights of people with disabilities and our partnership with the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence will help further ensure equal access to services are guaranteed under the law.”

###

About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing safety and services for survivors. ACESDV was originally founded as the Arizona Coalition Against Domestic Violence in 1980, so that concerned citizens and professionals could unite in a statewide organization to end domestic violence. In 2013, the coalition became the designated dual coalition to address both sexual and domestic violence in Arizona, thus becoming the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence. ACESDV provides training and technical assistance to responders, service providers, and community members, engages in public policy advocacy and public awareness initiatives, and provides direct services through their Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline and online chat.

About the Arizona Center for Disability Law
The Arizona Center for Disability Law (Center) is a non-profit law firm that assists Arizonans with disabilities to promote and protect their legal rights to independence, justice, and equality. The Arizona Center for Disability Law serves all people with disabilities. The Center supports individuals with disabilities by providing information on their legal rights, representation in negotiations or in administrative proceedings and court, and investigating abuse and neglect. In addition, the Center provides outreach and training on legal rights and self-advocacy as well as technical assistance to groups and individuals on disability-related legal issues. Finally, the Center brings impact litigation to remedy systematic problems.

About the Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Established in 1977, The Arizona Commission for Deaf and Hard and Hearing (Commission) ensures, in partnership with the public and private sector, accessibility for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve their quality of life. The Commission administers a free statewide 24-hour telephone relay service as well as telephone equipment to qualified hearing, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and speech-impaired Arizona residents. The Commission provides the American Sign Language Interpreter Licensure for the state, engages in community development initiatives, and informs Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals about their rights and the laws and programs available to support their rights.

About the AZ Developmental Disabilities Planning Council
The Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council (ADDPC) is the designated entity as outlined in the Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000 that focuses on advocacy, inclusion, and improving access and services for people with developmental disabilities. ADDPC collects data by identifying local developmental disability challenges and solutions and provides grants to fund innovative projects, such as efforts to help Arizonans speak up for themselves or push for community inclusion. In addition, ADDPC works with public and private sectors to address issues that are important to people with developmental disabilities and provides education through events, resources, and social media on ways to include all people who have developmental disabilities in every aspect of community life. ADDPC works to establish, strengthen, and expand self-advocacy activities among people with developmental disabilities so they will become empowered and self-determined.

About the Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council
The Arizona Statewide Independent Living Council (AZSILC) is federally mandated and funded under the Rehabilitation Act and is comprised of individuals appointed by the Governor. AZSILC conducts statewide needs assessments in regard to people who have disabilities, monitors, implements, and evaluates the triennial State Plan for Independent Living, facilitates community outreach, independent living forums, panels and workshops, collaborates in coordinating disability focused conferences, expositions, and summits, and advocates for systemic changes that enhance and/or expand independent living programs and services.

About the Arc of Arizona
The Arc of Arizona, which was formed in 1958, is the only community-based non-profit working for people with I/DD throughout their lifetimes and across all diagnoses in Arizona. Currently, they have over 1,000 members with 11 local chapters. They engage in public policy by mobilizing self-advocates, disability organizations, and individuals across Arizona who care about the rights of all people with disabilities, utilizing grassroots action to effect substantial and meaningful progress in the legislative landscape.

Filed Under: News & Information, Sexual & Domestic Violence

ACESDV Statement on the Murder of George Floyd and Institutionalized Racism

June 3, 2020 By SiteAdmin

Discrimination and police violence against the Black community and other people of color is nothing new. These are not broken systems; they were built on stolen land and designed to control, contain, and exploit the lives and labor of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Police brutality did not begin with George Floyd or Dion Johnson or Ahmaud Arbery or Breonna Taylor or Tony McDade, Philando Castile or Freddie Gray or Michael Brown or Eric Garner or Trayvon Martin, or any of the men and women whose lives were taken, but whose names have not been uplifted. On May 25th, we witnessed murder. We watched George Floyd beg for help, for water, for his mother, all before he took his last breath under the knee and full weight of the State. What more is it going to take before leadership in this country uses their power to end racism and white supremacy?

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) stands in solidarity with the Black community during these tragic and traumatic events, and will continue to stand with people of color to uproot systemic racism, classism, sexism, and other forms of oppression. We are committed to working together to end violence in all forms by dismantling oppression in Arizona and promoting equity among all people. 

At ACESDV we view violence and oppression as mutually sustaining. Sexual and domestic violence cannot end as long as law enforcement and other state entities continue to replicate the manipulation and harm so frequently experienced by survivors. The roots of these forms of violence are the same. State violence is among the most insidious forms of control meant to silence, enslave, and terrorize people of color into submission. We are deeply saddened to witness the continued dehumanization and dismissal of people of color in this country—from the violence and callousness of police, to the COVID-19 outbreaks impacting immigrants in detention centers, the decimation of Native communities, and the marginalization of LGBTQ+ people. 

Other institutionalized forms of discrimination continue to indirectly kill the Black community, Indigenous communities, and People of Color by limiting access to health care, housing, education, and employment. We continue to support those most impacted by these practices and proactively fight to dismantle systems of oppression and the institutional racism and classism that has created these inequities. 

We are committed to continued advocacy to encourage policymakers to divest funding from law enforcement and invest more in strategies and organizations that meaningfully support community safety, healing, and wellbeing—especially for people of color. We will listen to the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. We will speak out, we will testify, we will stand with communities of color. We will continue to have difficult conversations about race and accountability within and beyond our organization. We will examine our own biases, white privilege, and allegiances to harmful power structures and people. We will support and join with our program members and allied partners in uprooting racism and other forms of oppression. We will always center the voices and experiences of survivors—we are here for you. You are not alone.

Filed Under: News & Information

Now is the time to fund sexual assault survivor services

February 19, 2020 By SiteAdmin

[image from AZ Mirror]

As the statewide voice for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence pursues a policy agenda every Arizona legislative session aimed at preventing sexual assault and domestic violence from occurring in the first place, as well as empowering and supporting the survivors of these traumatic experiences. 

We continue to make progress in Arizona, but unfortunately still lag behind other states in many critical areas. 

Most notably, Arizona is one of the few states that does not provide any funding for sexual assault survivor services – things like advocacy, support groups, therapy and crisis lines. With Arizona’s economy booming and state finances more stable than we’ve seen in over a decade, it’s time to fix it. Arizona needs to support survivors of sexual violence with funding for survivor-centered services, including an expansion of current services and the introduction of 24/7 sexual assault specific services statewide. 

Fortunately, we already have an example of how these services can be funded and structured. 

Under state law, Arizona funds domestic violence services through a process that ensures programs are providing services in line with best practice standards and the current needs of survivors and communities. It appropriately defines what qualifies as a domestic violence program, ensures program priorities are determined through expert consultation with the state coalition, and ensures recipients of funds adhere to formalized statewide standards rooted in best practices.

Using this as a model, the legislature could pass new legislation with the same structure and parameters, but with a focus on funding services for sexual assault survivors across Arizona. These new services would allow sexual assault survivors to have greater access to resources for healing, while also ensuring these resources are high-quality and appropriately monitored by a state entity (the Arizona Department of Economic Security) with expertise in gender-based violence.

Helping these victims isn’t an exorbitant cost: We estimate $10 million could get these services up and running. When one considers that Arizona currently has a $700 million surplus this fiscal year – that is still growing – there is simply no justification to be one of the few states who refuses to fund services for sexual assault survivors. 

Unfortunately, sexual violence is all too prevalent in today’s society. A person is sexually assaulted every 98 seconds in the United States. It’s time to show survivors in Arizona that we admire their strength and are here to support them. We hope Republicans and Democrats can put their differences aside during the 2020 legislative session and fund these vital services. 

//

Originally posted on AZ Mirror on January 28, 2020.

Filed Under: News & Information, Sexual & Domestic Violence

Press Release: ACESDV Opposes Proposed Changes to Title IX

November 29, 2018 By SiteAdmin

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Allie Bones

Email: allie@acesdv.org 
Phone:  602-279-2900

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Opposes Proposed Changes to Title IX

Phoenix, AZ – 11/19/18.  The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) strongly opposes the proposed changes to Title IX put forth by the Trump administration. These changes jeopardize the safety of those experiencing sexual harassment and assault in public schools and colleges. Secretary DeVos must listen to survivors of sexual violence and the advocacy community when considering changing these important regulations.

Title IX is part of a civil rights law that was instituted to protect students from gender-based discrimination, including sexual harassment and assault, and governs how federally funded educational institutions handle these cases. The proposed changes significantly limit the definition of sexual harassment, essentially requiring students to miss class and/or drop out of school entirely before the sexual harassment case would qualify under Title IX. It would also allow schools to ignore sexual harassment and assault that occur off-campus. Additionally, the proposed changes allow schools to treat Title IX cases like criminal charges, where the burden of proof is much higher. This creates undue burden on survivors in cases where there is limited evidence, enabling schools to ignore these cases, which will cause a hostile environment for student survivors.

What’s more, the proposed changes allow survivors to be cross-examined by the accused through a third party, which will increase barriers to reporting and further traumatize survivors. Additionally, the proposed changes severely limit who can take a report of sexual harassment and assault. This means that unless the student reports to specific employees, they are not guaranteed assistance and/or protections of any kind.

These proposed changes limit the school’s accountability and create an environment of impunity for those causing sexual harm. ACESDV stands with survivors opposing these changes and asks the Trump administration to focus on real solutions to campus sexual violence, instead of rolling back needed protections.

For additional information please contact the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence at 602-279-2900. To speak with a Victim Specialist please contact the Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline at 800-782-6400 or via chat at www.acesdv.org/get-help-now.

###

Filed Under: News & Information

 Press Release: Jacksons Food Stores Raises Funds to End Sexual and Domestic Violence in Arizona

November 21, 2018 By SiteAdmin

MEDIA CONTACTS
Caitlin Copple Masingill
ccmasingill@oliverrussell.com
(406) 493-4281, cell
Christa Steiner, Community Engagement Manager
Christa@acesdv.org
602-279-2900 x418

 Jacksons Food Stores Raises Funds to End Sexual and Domestic Violence in Arizona
‘Peace Doves’ Funds will support Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

PHEONIX, AZ. (Nov. 21, 2018) – Jacksons Food Stores announced today their annual campaign to help end domestic violence in six Western states, including Arizona. Now through December 25, customers can donate an amount of their choice and purchase a peace dove that will be hung in the convenience stores around the state.

The company will provide matching funds to leverage customer donations to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, a 501c3 nonprofit, as well as similar organizations in five other states.

“Last year, Jacksons Gift of Peace campaign raised almost $8,000 from the generosity of Jacksons customers that number was then matched by Jacksons Food Stores to give the coalition a grand total of almost $16,000 to stop domestic violence in Arizona communities, and this year, we are excited to provide even more support.” said Katrina Lemmon, advertising and promotions manager for Jacksons Food Stores.

The Gift of Peace campaign is currently underway at Jacksons Food Stores in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Oregon, and Washington, with funds going toward ending domestic violence in each state through a local organization.

Customers can make a tax-deductible donation toward a peace dove at any neighborhood Jacksons Food Store. Then, customers can write the name of a loved one or their names and the paper dove will be hung up in the store. Doves are available in $1, $5, and $10 increments, and will be matched by Jacksons Food Stores. Last year, the campaign raised over $160,000 across all six states, and this year, the company hopes to raise even more.

All Arizona customer contributions will go to the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence and will directly help support families and individuals affected by sexual and domestic violence, including teens experiencing dating abuse, as well as prevention services, according to Christa Steiner, community engagement manager.

“We are so thankful to Jacksons for the Gift of Peace campaign,” Steiner said. “It sends a powerful message to survivors and the community when they see the peace doves in the stores around Arizona, and the donations mean so much to our organizations.”

About Jacksons

Jacksons Food Stores, Inc. headquartered in Meridian, Idaho, was founded in Caldwell, Idaho in 1975 as a single service station. Jacksons has grown to be a nationally recognized chain of over 230+ Chevron, Shell, and Texaco branded convenience stores in six western states. All company operations currently employ approximately 3,000 associates. 

About Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual Domestic Violence works to dismantle oppression and promote equity among all people, focusing on increasing public awareness about sexual and domestic violence and enhancing the safety of and services for survivors. Learn more at acesdv.org.

 

 

 

Filed Under: News & Information, Sexual & Domestic Violence

ACESDV Statement Following Kavanaugh Confirmation

October 6, 2018 By SiteAdmin

To say that we are disappointed and heartbroken would be an understatement. We had hoped for a different outcome than the one that has just occurred. 

At the same time, we are filled with love and awe for the survivors, sisters and brothers, who bravely, courageously and boldly stood in their power to share the darkest secrets of their past.  They turned their shame into activism, their anger into calls, and their silence into speak-outs.  For this, we are forever changed, and forever grateful.

Now, it is time to turn our attention to elections.  The last day to register to vote for the upcoming general election is this Tuesday, October 9th.  Vote by mail ballots will be arriving in mailboxes soon after that.  And then the mid-term elections will be here on Tuesday, November 6th.

We have work to do.  The Violence Against Women Act is up for reauthorization.  The Family Violence Prevention and Services Act will hopefully be reauthorized this coming week. We need to fight for state funding for sexual violence prevention and response services.  We need rape crisis centers and services for victims all across the state. Policies at every level of government impact victims of sexual and domestic violence daily.

The only way for us to continue to make an impact towards the end of sexual and domestic violence is to ensure that those in positions of power represent our voices and take our issues and concerns seriously. Engage with candidates.  Ask questions.  Be informed.  And then vote. 

Like our lives depend on it.

Please visit the Civic Engagement page on website to register to vote and get involved.

Filed Under: News & Information

Press Release: Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence to Hold Emergency Town Hall Tonight: October 1, 2018

October 1, 2018 By SiteAdmin

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Tasha Menaker, Chief Strategy Officer
Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence
p: 602-279-2900 x426
media@acesdv.org

Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence Holds Emergency Town Hall Tonight: October 1, 2018

Phoenix, Arizona – October 1, 2018.  With a vote on the Brett Kavanaugh Supreme Court nomination looming tomorrow, the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence (ACESDV) and community partners are hosting an emergency town hall tonight Monday, 10/1/18 at 6pm titled “Enough is Enough: Survivors Must be Believed”.

In order to center the voices of community and speak truth to power, this free event will be held at the South Mountain Community Center, 212 E Alta Vista Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85042.

This event, in collaboration with Creosote Partners, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona, Poder in Action, and Trans Queer Pueblo, sends the message that enough is enough, survivors must be believed and the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh for Supreme Court Justice should not move forward.

It is our hope the entire community can unite in justice to participate in this important discussion.

###

About the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence is the designated dual issue coalition in Arizona addressing both sexual and domestic violence for over 35 years. Our purpose is to increase public awareness about the issues of sexual and domestic violence, enhance the safety of and services for sexual and domestic violence victims and survivors and end sexual and domestic violence in Arizona communities. We do this by providing education & training, technical assistance, advocating at the legislature in public policy as well as providing assistance to survivors and advocates through our Sexual and Domestic Violence Services Helpline. www.acesdv.org

Filed Under: News & Information

The Arizona Coalition to End Sexual and Domestic Violence responds to Christine Blasey Ford hearing:

September 28, 2018 By SiteAdmin

The courage shown by Dr. Ford at this morning’s Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing was beyond anything that should ever be expected from a survivor of sexual assault. She was described by members of the committee as being heroic and a role model for survivors everywhere. We cannot agree more.

What was concerning for us to witness was the questioning of the victim by Rachel Mitchell, on leave from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. Ms. Mitchell questioned Dr. Ford in a manner inconsistent with principles of trauma-informed interviewing. She jarringly jumped from topic to topic and continually questioned the timeline of events, focusing on details that are often difficult for sexual assault survivors to recall. Furthermore, Ms. Mitchell focused on Dr. Ford’s motivation for coming forward, clearly trying to connect her disclosure to a partisan scheme. Dr. Ford was not on trial, yet the questioning transpired as through she were under cross-examination. As we watched the hearing with sexual assault survivors from our communities, they shared how emotional and revictimizing it was to watch Dr. Ford be treated as though she was a defendant.

Given that Ms. Mitchell discontinued questioning early in Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony, it was clear her presence was a partisan tactic to undermine Dr. Ford’s credibility and suggest her disclosure was part of a political conspiracy instead of an extremely courageous act of civic responsibility. Any prosecutor who agreed to participate in such a process inherently allowed themselves to become a pawn of a partisan scheme rooted in concern over optics of an all-male panel questioning the female victim.

In light of this, we have serious concerns about the impact of this hearing on survivors nationwide, and especially within our local community of Maricopa County. How can sexual assault survivors have confidence they will be treated with respect, have their reports believed, and their cases taken seriously? As was pointed out during the hearing, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office’s own protocol for appropriately responding to sexual assault cases outlined characteristics of trauma-informed interviewing that were completely absent from Ms. Mitchell’s questioning. The effects of this will have practical impacts long after this hearing and political circus ends.

This hearing was an egregious display designed to humiliate, undermine, and discredit Dr. Ford. It sent a loud message to all sexual assault survivors. We commend Dr. Ford’s strength and courage—it was inspiring to watch as she stood in the face of a patriarchal system designed to silence victims. We stand with her and all survivors today and every day.

Filed Under: News & Information

Senator Flake, Will You Stand Up for Victims?

September 26, 2018 By SiteAdmin

Over the last week, I have watched with disgust the Senate Judiciary Committee’s treatment of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. And now that two more brave women have come forward with an additional allegation against Kavanaugh, it’s even more urgent to #BelieveSurvivors.

At this juncture, there is only one appropriate way to move forward: this Thursday’s hearings must be cancelled to allow for these allegations to be investigated thoroughly.

Senator Flake, we listened to your comments on the floor this morning with great interest. Unfortunately, your words came up short, yet again.  It’s time to call off tomorrow’s hearing and to call for a proper investigation into these extremely serious allegations.

It is extremely concerning to us that the committee charged with considering and passing the Violence Against Women Act, which is again up for reauthorization, has not appropriately handled the allegations or Dr. Ford since this story broke.  From questioning the women’s memory and suggesting that perhaps they were attacked by someone else, to comments that suggest that it happened so long ago, it shouldn’t ruin his life, it wasn’t that serious, and on and on. Tweets and comments from leaders on the Judiciary Committee have us wondering just how much progress has been made since the passage of the Violence Against Women Act 24 years ago, and why they feel that communities and systems should be held to higher standards of responses to sexual violence than they are. 

For sexual assault survivors, their callousness feels gut-wrenching.

Fewer than three out of every 100 rapes are ever brought to justice in court. Our president made the horrific claim that there’s no way the assault was “as bad as she says” because she would have reported it to law enforcement otherwise. But let me be clear: disclosing one’s experience with sexual violence does not make it more or less real. That trauma informs the way one experiences the world, and viral news of sexual assault exacerbates it.

Senators, and Judiciary leadership in particular, have treated these survivors as though they are on trial, rather than Kavanaugh.  But this is not a trial and Dr. Christine Blasey Ford is not a defendant. The inclusion of a prosecutor confuses this hearing with something criminal in nature, which this hearing is not – in fact, the Senators have refused calls for an independent investigation. Why then bring in a prosecutor if they don’t want the issue to be handled by the FBI?

Senator Flake, it’s time for you to show that you are committed to addressing violence against women—and to properly vetting Judge Kavanaugh, as you would any Supreme Court nominee.  You can stop tomorrow’s planned hearing and call for an investigation to be opened today.  Survivors are counting on you to do the right thing. 

Filed Under: News & Information

State Sponsored Violence Compounds Traumatic Consequences

June 21, 2018 By SiteAdmin

Violence is violence, regardless if it is an individual or state perpetrator.  Women, men and children fleeing violence in their homes, communities and countries come to the United States for safety – they literally risk everything because staying is worse than the options that exist on the treacherous route north. The federal government’s “zero tolerance” policy to prosecute those at the border without discretion perpetrates additional violence and creates further trauma for these children and families. Compounding the administration’s “zero tolerance” policy is a major reversal in policy and defense by the Department of Justice that survivors of domestic violence qualify for asylum. This more restrictive interpretation of asylum laws places already severely vulnerable populations at risk of further harm, and undermines our progress toward addressing the unique and intersectional needs of immigrant women and children exposed to violence.

Again, many of these parents at our border are fleeing extreme violence. They are desperately seeking safety for their children. That search for protection is not a crime. We would do the same thing for our children. While the administration has now signed an Executive Order that children will be incarcerated with their parents instead of the traumatic separation that has been happening, the Trump administration has simply created a policy of internment and is working to undermine years of case law that has dictated that families cannot be held for more than 20 days. On-going detention is harmful for kids and is bad for families, both in the short and long term. The Executive Order is a false solution, window dressing due to the outrage, but does not solve the problem.

This crisis is part of the larger manufactured crisis by the Trump administration in its inhumane treatment of Dreamers, asylum seekers, and other immigrants. It is simply wrong and must be stopped. Join the Arizona Coalition to End Sexual & Domestic Violence as we march with others on June 30th at the Arizona State Capitol demanding that the government change policy to a bi-partisan, fair, and humane immigration solution.

Statement by ACESDV Public Policy Team 

 

Filed Under: News & Information

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