03-11-13 Common Council Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2013 Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., 5117 Idlewood Dr., South Bend, Indiana, made the presentation for this Resolution. Councilmember Henry Davis, Jr., advised that he is introducing this Resolution to raise awareness about domestic violence in our community and to support those individuals and agencies and who provide daily services to such victims. He stated that on February 28, 2013 the House of Representatives voted 286-138 and sent to President Obama the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which had been approved by the U.S. Senate two weeks earlier. The federal law had been allowed to lapse over a year earlier by Congress. The new federal legislation would give access to Violence Against Women Act programs to all individuals including Native Americans, gays, lesbians, and immigrants. He noted that 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. The website for the Family Justice Center of St. Joseph County notes that risk reduction programs to students in our community have reached “over 20,000 students each school year.” He stated that it also notes that “presentations and training reach community groups, law enforcement and medical personnel rounding out S-O-S comprehensive services.” Councilmember Davis Jr., stated that he believes that as elected officials of South Bend should support these proactive measures which are aimed at improving the quality of life in our City. He asked the Council for their support of this Resolution. A Public Hearing was held on the Resolution at this time. Sareen Dale, 1731 Thornhill Dr. South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. She thanked the Council for this Resolution. She stated that she is the Director of the St. Joseph County Family Justice Center. She stated that the Family Justice Center is responsible for on-site services, partnerships and community outreach. She stated that the Family Justice Center is a collaboration and cooperative spirit between agencies and entities working together to help survivors on their journey towards safety. Becky Callendar, SOS, Project Coordinator Family Justice Center, 533 North Niles Avenue, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. She stated that she has worked with S-O-S since the 1990’s helping to coordinate risk reduction programs in the local schools. She stated that they provide advocacy to survivors of sexual and domestic violence. She thanked the Council for this Resolution. Linda Baechle, President & CEO, YWCA, 1102 S. Fellows, South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. She advised that since 1903, the YWCA has been the leading advocate for women and children in our community. She stated that through a combination of service and social action they reach out to women who are seeking solutions to abusive situations, women who are fighting chemical dependency and women who are in need of job training and education and who want to improve their lives for themselves and their children. She stated that the YWCA was created by women for women, and pledge all of their resources, talents and skills to ensure the success of the mission of the YWCA: “Eliminating racism empowering women.” She thanked the Council for this Resolution and urged their favorable consideration. Jesse Davis, P. O. Box 10205 South Bend, Indiana, spoke in favor of this bill. He stated that he supports all the agencies who work on a daily basis helping to curb domestic violence. There was no one else pressing wishing to speak in favor of this bill and there was no one present wishing to speak in opposition to this bill. Councilmember White made a motion to adopt this Resolution. Councilmember Scott seconded the motion which carried and the Resolution was adopted by a roll call vote of nine (9) ayes. 14