Peace Place Executive Director Comments on Renewal of Violence Against Women Act

The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to renew the previously stalled Violence Against Women Act, which originally expired in 2011, and the bill is awaiting the president's signature. 

Kelley Ondovchik, executive director for Peace Place, an area shelter that assists battered women and their children, had the following to say about the law: 

The passing of this legislation ensures continued funding for victims and survivors of domestic violence. This is truly a great step forward in the effort to end domestic violence and the culmination of many years of hard work by advocates and survivors. We would like to thank everyone who contacted their senators and representatives on behalf of this bill.

According to a Washington Post article, the law has been renewed twice before without controversy, but it lapsed in 2011 caught up in the partisan battles dividing Congress. Last year, the House refused to pass a Senate-approved bill that would have made clear that lesbians, gays, immigrants and Native American women should have equal access to Violence Against Women Act programs.

Walton County recently re-formed its own Domestic Violence Task Force with the help Walton County Magistrate Judge Mike Burke and some other members of the community because of the increasing problem of domestic violence in the county.

The renewal of the law now brings gays, lesbians, transgender individuals, Native Americans and immigrants under its protections.

According to a post by USA Today, the legislation authorizes funding for programs that help victims, as well as those that prosecute individuals accused of domestic violence and sexual assault. There are also new provisions addressing stalking that would cover the use of spyware and video surveillance equipment.

In 1981, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence designated a day for unity and solidarity for battered women. That evolved into October being designated

If you are a victim of domestic violence or if you know someone who is, you can contact Project ReNeWal at 770-860-1666 or Rick Baker at 770-316-5793. Another resource is the Georgia Legal Program, which offers free legal advice for low-income residents and seniors. The number is 404-894-7707.