Bills To Combat Domestic Violence Collecting Dust, Group Demands Action In Lansing
OCTOBER (WWJ) - October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month - highlighting the issues and burden placed on victims of abuse. In tandem with that awareness - members of the Progressive Women's Legislative Caucus met in Lansing to urge their colleagues to move on a package of bills to combat domestic violence which has languished for the past six months.
Representative Kristy Pagan is demanding legislative action for those who have been abused.
"That's part of the reason why we have renewed our call to ask our Republican colleagues on legislation we believe go beyond the criminal justice system," said Pagan.
In March, a package of bills was introduced to the legislature which included ensuring confidentiality for survivors and urging colleges to update their policies. Victims would not be disqualified from unemployment benefits. It also prevents landlords from discriminating against tenants.
One of the bills, introduced by Grand Rapids Democrat Winnie Brinks, would give survivors time to recover with no fear of losing their jobs.
"No one should ever decide between going to police or keeping a job," said Rep. Brinks. "No one should have to ever decide whether to take their children to a shelter or lose a day of pay."
Pagan says that Democrats and Republicans agree that this is a serious issue and she believes that both sides can find solutions to this critical issue and the time is now to act.
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233 or (800) 787-3224 to find help.