In The News

Metro
October 31, 2007

Lawmakers back bills to aid victimsDomestic violence legislation would offer job, housing security

Proposed bills

• During the first 10 months of 2007, there were 44 deaths in the state tied to domestic violence.
• One proposed bill would grant victims of violence 15 days unpaid leave for hospital and court visits.
• Another would prevent landlords from evicting victims.

BOSTON. Gov. Deval Patrick began Domestic Violence Awareness Month by announcing a zero tolerance policy toward offenders. Yesterday, lawmakers effectively closed the month by pleading with fellow legislators to pass bills they say are crucial to aiding victims. Domestic violence homicides are on the rise in Massachusetts this year, averaging one victim every week, according to Jane Doe Inc. Each death is preventable, authorities said yesterday at a gathering at the Garden of Peace, and legislation currently on the table is aimed at helping survivors.

One such bill would offer victims of domestic violence 15 days of unpaid leave from work to take care of personal issues. “Often, we see victims of domestic abuse lose their job because they have to go to court or see their lawyers or go to the hospital. They use sick days, and they have it held against them,” said Sen. Cynthia Stone Creem. “So, they lose their job or lose their housing. They are discriminated against and become victims in more than just one way.”Another bill Creem, Sen. Pamela Resor and Rep. Peter Koutoujian support would prevent landlords from evicting tenants who are victims of domestic abuse.
Such actions can cause what Creem called a vicious cycle, as victims sometimes seek shelter with a prior abuser.

The results can be tragic. Thr-ough the first 10 months of the year, there were 32 victims of domestic violence homicide and 12 suicides tied to domestic abuse in the state, according to a resolution passed by the House and Senate yesterday.
“These homicides — just like all forms of domestic violence — are preventable, but only if we dedicate the resources and collective will to make it happen,” said Mary R. Lauby, executive director of Jane Doe Inc.

Tony Lee