RADAR ALERT:
Agenda for VAWA Reform Defines Issues for 2008 Elections
Two weeks ago RADAR released an explosive new Special Report that reveals domestic violence programs are usually ineffective, often unwanted, and sometimes harmful in reducing partner violence: http://www.mediaradar.org/docs/RADARreport-Why-DV-Programs-Fail-to-Stop-Abuse.pdf
Today RADAR is releasing the Agenda for VAWA Reform, a blueprint for reforming the Violence Against Women Act. Although the focus of the Agenda is on VAWA, most of the problems also apply to state-level laws.
The Agenda for VAWA Reform is based on extensive research of the effects domestic violence laws, as well as recommendations from members of the VAWA Reform Coalition. The Agenda for VAWA Reform identifies 8 problem areas:
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VAWA programs have been ineffective in reducing partner abuse, and in some ways have placed victims at greater risk of violence.
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VAWA undermines basic notions of civil liberties and the presumption of innocence.
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VAWA programs have had a disproportionate negative effect on minority and low-income populations.
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VAWA undermines the family, escalates partner conflict, and discourages reconciliation.
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VAWA fosters sex-based discrimination.
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VAWA promotes half-truths, myths, and falsehoods about domestic violence.
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VAWA encourages immigration fraud.
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VAWA programs lack accountability and allow wasteful use of taxpayer dollars.
The complete Agenda can be seen at: http://mediaradar.org/docs/RADARdocument-Agenda-for-VAWA-Reform.pdf
With the primary elections for the 2008 campaign starting in just two months, it is critical that the Agenda for VAWA Reform be shared with as many political candidates as possible.
We encourage persons to ask candidates their views on how they believe federal and state laws on domestic violence - which are now known to be ineffective and even harmful - can be improved so domestic violence can be curbed.
Date of RADAR Release: October 22, 2007
R.A.D.A.R. – Respecting Accuracy in Domestic Abuse Reporting – is a non-profit, non-partisan organization of men and women working to improve the effectiveness of our nation's approach to solving domestic violence. http://mediaradar.org
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