Washington State chapter National Organization for Women Position Paper Violence Against Women

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Violence Against Women

Washington State NOW supports efforts to end violence against women in the areas of sexual assault and domestic violence and has endorsed the efforts of the Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs and the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Violence against women and children is an enormous problem in our country and in our state. Statistically most women will experience some form of violence in their lifetime. In fact violence, such as domestic violence, is among the leading causes of death and injury for women. It is appropriate that the laws and spending policies of Washington State be focused on protecting victims from further victimization and send clear messages to perpetrators that their actions will not go unpunished.

In the 1998 legislative session NOW supports the passage of legislation that would:

• Clarify that the rape shield law does cover teens
• Add sexual assault victims to the Secretary of State’s Address Protection Program
• Add personnel at religious institutions (NOT CLERGY) to the state’s mandatory reporting law for suspected cases of child abuse/neglect and
• Provide funds for legal advocates for sexual assault programs.

Washington State NOW also supports a bill to recognize the protection orders of other states to protect victims of domestic violence and passage of a statute to insure insurance companies cannot discriminate against victims of violence.

Call 360-253-7147 for a contact person in your local community.