NEW: Mixed Reviews on Budget from Domestic Violence Coalition
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence wins and loses in this year's General Assembly. The Coalition applauded the General Assembly for passed the Anti-Strangulation Bill, yet condemns the 25% budget cut to community service, including the domestic violence Court Advocacy program.
The Anti-Strangulation Bill makes domestic assault by strangulation a felony punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment and will now be transmitted to the Governor’s office for his consideration.
"When an abuser strangles his victim, he is show her that he has her life in his hands and that he has the power to end it," says Deborah DeBare, Executive Director to the RI Coalition Against Domestic Violence. "By elevating this dangerous and damaging attack to a felony level, police officers, prosecutors and advocates will be able to better protect the lives of domestic violence victims and children and help stop domestic violence homicides."
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn passing this bill into law, Rhode Island will join 30 other states in the country who extend these protections for the lives of domestic violence victims. The Coalition looks forward to seeing Governor Lincoln Chafee sign the bill into law.
Despite these tremendous gains, the Coalition is disappointed in the 25% cut for community service grant that affects its ability to provide domestic violence victims with advocacy, support and information in the courtroom.
DeBare comments: "Though we appreciate the difficulty of these financial times, the General Assembly cannot continue to balance the budget on the backs of those most vulnerable in our state."
