24-Hour Helpline
(920) 729-5727
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
P.O. Box 99
Neenah, WI 54957-0099
Phone: (920) 235-5998
Fax: (920) 729-0690
Domestic Violence Bills Pass with Unanimous Votes
Senate Approves Safe Housing Act & Assembly Approves Strangulation Prevention Enforcement Act
For Immediate Release
Menasha, WI - January 15, 2008 -- The year 2007 ended on a high note when two key legislative priorities for domestic violence victims passed legislative hurdles with unanimous support. The state Senate approved SB 269, the Safe Housing Act, to improve safety in housing for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The Assembly passed AB 499, the Strangulation Prevention Enforcement Act. Both bills must still be approved by the respective other houses.
"The Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) works every year toward ending domestic violence, and these two pieces of legislation are a critical part of that effort," said WCADV Executive Director Patti Seger.
The Safe Housing Act, SB 269, will allow victims to terminate leases if they are in imminent physical danger and have legal documentation, such as a domestic abuse injunction. The bill will also void leases that punish tenants for seeking the help of law enforcement, health, or safety services (for example, by increasing rent or decreasing services). It will remove one of the many economic barriers that make it more difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships.
The Strangulation Prevention Enforcement Act, AB 499, will give law enforcement better guidance to adequately handle the severity and danger of strangulation for victims. It will also make the crime of strangulation a felony. The bill will be a powerful tool for intervening in a potentially lethal form of domestic violence and prevent it from intensifying.
"These two bills will provide domestic abuse victims with additional safeguards as they attempt to leave a domestic abuse situation and provide them with greater protections from their perpetrators," said Julie Fevola, Executive Director of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services.
"We appreciate the unanimous, bipartisan support from our state lawmakers for the effort to end domestic violence," said Seger. "And we hope the unanimous votes will fuel efforts to get a hearing and a vote in the Assembly for the Safe Housing Act, and a Senate vote for the strangulation bill early next year."
The mission of Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services is to prevent domestic abuse and violence and provide intervention and safety for each individual affected by domestic abuse and violence. It serves residents in Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh and communities throughout Winnebago and Green Lake counties. Services are provided free of charge and include a 24-Hour Helpline, emergency shelter, individual and group advocacy, legal advocacy, community education, and transitional living services, among others.
For more information on how to get involved in the fight to end domestic abuse in our communities, please contact the agency at 920-729-5727 or 920-235-5998 or visit www.christineann.net. Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services, Inc. is a United Way agency.
Contact:
Julie Fevola
Christine Ann Domestic Abuse Services
(920) 729-5727
www.christineann.net
###
