State targets domestic violence
The Rutland Herald reports that "lawmakers spent two years looking at the problem of domestic violence in Vermont and emerged from that process with a new law that advocates [believe] will have short- and long-term reductions in the volume of [domestic violence] cases." The law, passed this year by the Vermont legislature, "boosts the possible jail time attached to domestic assault from 12 months to 18 months"; "makes it a crime to stop someone from accessing emergency services"; and includes an $800,000 appropriation to support "increased services for victims and an outreach program via schools and youth groups aimed at teaching children and teenagers that violence is not an answer to problems."
Vermont by the Numbers
Vermont's "domestic violence crisis hotlines receive nearly 18,000 phone calls each year." In addition, "more than half of all homicides between 1994 and 2004 in the state resulted from domestic violence." Recently, law enforcement officials have observed a cycle of domestic violence in Vermont. According to Sen. Richard Sears, D-Bennington, the chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, "Those who have been in the field for years tell me they are now arresting the sons of the people they were arresting 20 years ago."
VCF Staff
Douglas to sign domestic violence bill
Vermont Public Radio reports that "Governor. Jim Douglas is planning to sign into law tomorrow a bill designed to reduce domestic violence and keep children safe from abusers." The bill, which is 40 pages long and includes $800,000 to pay for programs, will "increase the penalty for misdemeanor domestic assault, encourage the courts to consider whether the violence occurred in the presence of a child, and require all law enforcement officers to receive domestic violence training." In addition, the law will "make it easier for victims of stalking, sexual assault and domestic violence to obtain protection orders when the defendant is incarcerated."