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> The Kogut Vision > A PLAN TO HELP VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT
A PLAN TO HELP VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT As District Attorney I will make victims' rights a top agenda item of my administration. Upon taking office I will initiate a number of measures to enhance and exapand victims' services provided by the District Attorney
First, I will establish a web site that will provide up to date information on resources, procedures, and other information available to support and protect victims, witnesses and thier families.
I will establish a victims' services advisory committee made up of public and private professionals who provide victims' services. The mandate of this advisory group will be to co-ordinate and maximize public and private community resources to assist victims. The committee will be made up of not only victim advocates, but medical personnel, clergy, lawyers and victims and thier families.
I will establish, based on the Middlesex County model a public private program that provides free legal assistance to vcitims of domestic violence during the restraining order process. Often times the abuser prevents the domesitc violence vicitm from having access to the financial resources that would be needed to obtain a restraining order. This program uses lawyers from private law firms to represent vicitms who cannot afford counsel on a pro-bono basis in these civil proceeding.
I will strongly and consistently advocate for the full funding of SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) program, Domestic violence and sexual assault sevices and RISE (Refugee and Immigrant Safety and Empowerment)services.
I will fight for the passage of the following significant pieces of legislation which will enhance protections for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence.
* Senate Bill 2274: This bill provides housing rights and protections for victims of domestic violence, rape sexual assault and stalking. It prevents denial based on one's status as a victim of abuse.
* Senate Bill 2382 (formerly Senate 673): This bill would protect employees who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking from being penalized in the workplace for taking time off to address issues related to being a victim of such crimes and creates important model workplace safety and policy procedures for employees.
*Senate Bill 1559: This bill would provide additional protections and enhance the rights of child and adult victims and witnesses of crimes.
It was once said, "Justice is not done until victims are served." If elected District Attorney I will make that saying the mission of my office.
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