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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSupport Violence Against Women's Act RESOLUTION 4245-13 Passed by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana March 11, 13 20 Meat: City Clerk &dad& Attest President of Common Council Presented by me to the Mayor of the City of South Bend, Indiana March 12, 20 13 City Clerk Approved and signed by me t4 <(4 12 20 Mayor RESOLUTION NO. '( 2A S-1—c— A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND,INDIANA, CALLING FOR AN END TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND VOICING ITS SUPPORT TO THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE FEDERAL"VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN'S ACT" aei,eaG, the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, acknowledges that recently a bi-partisan majority of the House of Representatives joined the United States Senate in approving reauthorization of the "Violence Against Women's Act" and send it to the President for review and approval; and eai the Common Council notes that unfortunately, domestic violence affects all communities, with data showing that three (3) women die each day from domestic violence which clearly shows that the perpetrators of such violence should be brought to justice; and (VIwyer the federal legislation would give new powers to Tribal Courts to help protect Native American Women, where the statistic reveal that one in three are the victims of such crimes; and 0*ecerr4, the Council recognizes that on February 28, 2013, the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced that $12.6 million would be made available in grants to twenty(20) communities as part of a new, "consolidated program designed to more effectively reduce dating violence"; and 04eea6, the Council also notes that in 2004, DOJ's Office of Violence Against Women identified St. Joseph County as one of fifteen (15) pilot sites nationally out of 400 applicants, to receive federal financial support to "eradicate all forms of domestic violence"; and that the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County located at 533 North Niles Avenue in South Bend serves "as a one-stop help center for victims of domestic violence and their children"; where "providers from many organizations—domestic violence victim services, prosecution, probation, law enforcement, medical services, civil legal assistance, chaplains, and other community-based services" are brought together under one roof; and 4/exe66, it is reported that "in St. Joseph County, police respond to approximately 8,000 domestic violence calls a year:" with the DOJ estimating that "only 54% of the intimate partner violence is reported to authorities" and that "victims come from all walks of life, income levels, races and religions". , Jule, Iv it xekoketl by the Common Council of the City of South Bend, Indiana, on the 11th day of March, 2013, as follows: Section I. The Common Council calls upon the residents of South Bend, Indiana to work together to end domestic violence in our community. Section II. The Council notes that soon the President will be signing into law the recently approved bi-partisan reauthorization of the "Violence Against Women's Act" which will expand authority in seeking justice against perpetrators of such crimes. Section III. The Council pledges it support to the many agencies in the City of South Bend, Indiana, who work on a daily basis providing assistance on crisis intervention, counseling criminal investigations, spiritual care, prenatal counseling, and the many highly trained volunteer advocates who work on the 24-hour S-O-S Crisis Line, the police officers called to respond to domestic violence calls; who are working to curb domestic violence locally, and in particular the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County. Section IV. The Council also acknowledges that the YWCA North Central Indiana, is a leading provider of domestic violence services such as emergency shelter and services to approximately 1,500 women and children annually. Food, clothing and safe shelter as well as the support and tools which these individuals need to begin rebuilding their lives, are examples of this agency. Section V. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect fro d after its adoption by the Common Council and approval by the Mayor. Henry Davis,Jr., 2nd District Council Member �iteit.• */ud this 12. day of March, 2013 John Voorde, City Clerk Pete Buttigi-., ay. d outh Bend, Indiana \I,, 0 13Tg 4 0 ,° V' l ° -� , -1_/// � Cit of South Bend . Common Council 1865 R'`''�,,� 441 County-City Building • 227 W.Jefferson Blvd (574) 235-9321 South Bend,Indiana 46601-1830 Fax (574) 235-9173 http://wvvw.southbendin.gov Derek D. Dieter President March 4,2013 Oliver J. Davis Vice-President The South Bend Common Council 4th Floor County-City Building Karen L. White South Bend, Indiana 46601 Chairperson, Committee of the Whole Dear Council Members: Tim Scott First District I am introducing the attached Resolution to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community, and to support those individuals and agencies and Henry Davis, Jr. who provide daily services to such victims. Second District On February 28th the House of Representatives voted 286-138 and sent to Valerie Schey President Obama the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which Third District had been approved by the U.S. Senate two weeks earlier. The federal law had Fred Ferlic been allowed to lapse over a year earlier by Congress. The new federal Fourth District legislation would give access to Violence Against Women Act programs to all individuals including Native Americans, gays, lesbians, and immigrants. David Varner Fifth District According to the Department of Justice, the Violence Against Women Act has helped reduce such crimes by approximately two-thirds over the past two decades. Oliver J. Davis Sixth District The website for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County notes that risk Derek D. Dieter reduction programs to students in our community have reached "over 20,000 At Large students each school year". It also notes that "presentations and trainings reach community groups, law enforcement and medical personnel rounding out S-O-S Gavin Ferlic comprehensive services". At Large I believe that we, as the elected officials of South Bend should support these Karen L. White proactive measures which are aimed at improving the quality of life in our City. I At Large seek your support of this Resolution. Thank you. Sincerely, Henry Davis, Jr. 2°d District Council Member TO THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND: Your Committee of the Whole, to whom was referred: BILL NO. 13-22 A RESOLUTION OF THE COMMON COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, CALLING FOR AN END TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND VOICING ITS SUPPORT TO THE REAUTHORIZATION OF THE FEDERAL "VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN'S ACT" Respectfully report that they have examined the matter and that in their opinion, this bill is being recommended to the full Council with a favorable recommendation. This bill was heard by the Health & Public Safety Committee. Karen L. White Chairperson, Committee of the Whole