One in Four

Today I attended the first annual Public Safety Briefing on Victim Services in the District of Columbia. The event focused heavily on sexual assault and domestic violence victim services. February is the national month against teen dating violence, which is fitting as women between the ages of 16 and 24 are the most vulnerable to sexual assault and partner violence. Lynn Rosenthal, the White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, pointed out that sexual assault is both the costliest crime in the country, and one of the most underreported. Rosenthal was also quick to note that although 1 in 4 women are victims of domestic violence that does not mean that 1 in 4 men are abusive, and that their role in the fight to end violence against women is essential.

The event drew attention to the importance of collaborative efforts, often referred to as coordinated community responses, in ending the cycle of violence in communities around the country and world. As such the panelists were diverse, representing the Metropolitan Police Department, the DC Superior Court, the Medical Society of DC, the Attorney General’s office as well as numerous non-profit organizations and community service providers like the DC Rape Crisis Center and the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Each one related the role they played while emphasizing the importance of cross-agency and community collaboration. The Honorable Judge Jose Lopez, Chief Judge of the Domestic Violence Unit said, “The law is strong, but it’s not enough. Community victim services are necessary to give true meaning to judicial decisions.”

The current administration has taken a strong stand on violence against women introducing several bills to support those affected and hold perpetrators responsible. In 1994, then-Senator Joe Biden introduced the Violence Against Women Act, which was subsequently signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Vice President Biden has said on numerous occasions that, “The single, most important legislative accomplishment in my 32-year-old career in the Senate is passing the Violence Against Women Act.” Although the administration has made clear its support for victim services nationally, the District of Columbia remains the only area in America without a dedicated revenue stream for its victim services. Melissa Hook, Director of the DC Office of Victim Services says that the demand for services is always increasing, pointing out the effect of the financial crisis on already vulnerable families. “We are trying to do so much more with so much less,” said Susan Ley from the Wendt Center for Loss and Healing.

To learn more about domestic violence, sexual assault and victim services check out:
The Office of Victim Services
DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence