Articles

When Women Must Choose Between Abuse And Homelessness

Even the baby, at 7 months old, seemed to know something wasn’t right. She cried and trembled, inconsolable. Her big brother, only 5, was tense. Their mother was scared and on the run, and they could feel it. Lily, whose real name has been changed to protect her identity, had…

Study Finds That Medics Sent to Help Domestic Violence Victims Often Blame Them Instead

Imagine that it’s midnight and you’re hiding in a bathroom, terrified. You didn’t want to call 911, but you were desperate. When the paramedics arrive, you feel momentarily relieved. Then they start to ask you questions—Have you had anything to drink tonight? Was there an argument? What did you say…

Remembering Ellen Pence

It's difficult to adequately describe the impact Ellen had on our lives and our work here at BWJP, and indeed on the whole movement to end violence   against women. Ellen’s legacy is one of critical analysis, compassionate listening, delightful humor, and commitment to justice. Below a few of Ellen’s close…

President Obama Announces Executive Actions to Reduce Gun Violence

Gun violence has taken a heartbreaking toll on too many communities across the country. Over the past decade in America, more than 100,000 people have been killed as a result of gun violence—and millions more have been the victim of assaults, robberies, and other crimes involving a gun. Many of…

#Firearms

England And Wales Expand The Meaning Of Domestic Abuse

A groundbreaking law on domestic abuse takes effect today in England and Wales. It expands the meaning of domestic violence to include psychological and emotional torment. So it is now a crime there to control your spouse, say, through social media or online stalking. Experts in domestic violence say it…

Activists Welcome China’s 1st Domestic Violence Law

Activists largely welcomed China's first national anti-domestic violence law on Monday, although some criticized the apparent omissions of sexual violence and gay couples. The law approved Sunday by China's legislature will take effect in March, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.Women's federations and civil organizations have been pushing for a…

Cops Get New Guidance On Responding To Sexual Assault And Domestic Violence

Attorney General Loretta Lynch announced new guidance Tuesday designed to help law enforcement prevent gender bias when responding to sexual assault and domestic violence incidents."We know that sometimes this bias, whether implicit or explicit, can stand in the way of effective law enforcement and can severely undermine law enforcement’s ability…

Police Body Cameras in Domestic and Sexual Assault Investigations

One of the hottest topics in domestic violence and policing, and policing generally, is the use of body cameras by law enforcement. This issue has become increasingly debated as the public demand for police accountability is on the rise, and technology enhancements offer new opportunities for better data capture. However,…

DHS Releases New U and T Visa Law Enforcement Resource Guide

This guide addresses concerns, answers common questions, and provides accurate information on signing I-918B and I-914B forms for federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, and other government agencies qualified to sign U visa certifications such as the EEOC, federal and state labor departments, adult and child…

Court Holds that Judges May Consider Risk Factors

Facts of the CaseFollowing a hearing on a petitioner’s application for a civil protection order, the trial court found that the petition and testimony satisfied Kentucky’s statutory standards for the issuance of an order.  On the docket sheet in the court file, the trial court noted additional findings of fact,…

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Today is the first day of Domestic Violence Awareness Month! While we’ve made great strides to address this rampant issue (through legislation like the Violence Against Women Act, programs that help support survivors and victims of abuse, and efforts to teach young people about healthy relationships), there’s still so much…

Transgender Sexual Violence Survivors: A Self-Help Guide to Healing and Understanding

Transgender survivors of sexual assault - who make up approximately half of the trans community - face unique healing issues. To help meet those unique needs, FORGE is announcing the publication of "Transgender Sexual Violence Survivors: A Self-Help Guide to Healing and Understanding," which is available now. This 132-page document…

#LGBTQ+

An Extra Safety Measure for Domestic Violence Victims

This Washington Post editorial features work done by the Montgomery County (Maryland) Court Watch program. The report found that 71% of judges did not require “staggered exits,” a nationally recognized best practice that protects victims of domestic violence from intimidation and threats by their abusers after leaving court.  Read full…

Why Victims of Domestic Violence Don’t Testify, Particularly Against NFL Players

Advocates for victims of domestic violence are often asked about victims' lack of engagement or "cooperation" with the criminal justice process. This article provides a thorough analysis about why victims may strategically choose not to participate in criminal cases against their abusers.  Read full article

NCALL Releases Technology Safety Toolkit for Older Adults

The toolkit has two main goals: to provide information about common technologies, including assistive technology, and to identify ways older adults can safeguard themselves from those who misuse technology to control, harass, stalk, and/or threaten them. Read full article