Lt. Governor Ivey Applauds First Lady Dianne Bentley’s Stand Against Domestic Violence

Press conferences and rallies occur almost daily on the Statehouse steps during the Legislative Session. Advocacy groups and citizens display their support, or lack thereof, for a number of issues. Promoting a cause at the foot of the house of government elevates the issue and captures attention. Though not the rule, most groups’ messages resonate more profoundly with one side of the aisle or the other. So when more than two dozen legislators of both parties, members of the Governor’s Cabinet, agency heads, and advocates gather as a show of support for new proposed legislation, the interest in the issue is justifiably heightened.

This is exactly what happened last week when Alabama’s First Lady Dianne Bentley presented legislation to combat domestic violence in our State. I was proud to stand with the group as she described her passion to strengthen laws in protection of victims. As an elected State leader and a woman, I applaud the First Lady for her leadership on this issue.

It’s an issue that should be void of partisan politics and handled delicately as to not put victims in any further danger. Mrs. Bentley is the ideal person to be a champion for women and men who live in compromising conditions. Her genuine heart for people is evident and her sincerity is unquestionable. She is normally reserved in nature, so when she speaks about this issue, people listen.

Domestic violence does not discriminate. People from all walks of life, socioeconomic status, and regions of the State are affected. Men can be victims, too, but more than 80 percent of domestic violence victims are women, so research gathered typically trends toward women. One of the statistics Mrs. Bentley cited was most startling to me: A woman is beaten every 9 seconds in the U.S. More than 38 million women have experienced physical intimate partner violence in their lifetime. Only 25 percent of physical assaults against women are reported to the police annually.

In Alabama, laws and funding for services rank among the weakest in the nation. Statistics are limited due to a lack of reporting and recording. That’s part of what Mrs. Bentley’s legislation will fix. In 2013, 20,000 cases were reported to the police, but we know there were many more undocumented incidents. The number of victims turned away from shelters due to overcapacity has doubled.

Mrs. Bentley’s legislation, sponsored by Senator Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) and Representative Mike Jones (R-Andalusia), forms the Domestic Violence Trust Fund and the Domestic Violence Capital Improvement Program. The legislation modernizes Alabama’s domestic violence laws, improves services to reach the demand, and strengthens victim protection through law enforcement and judicial provisions. After touring all of the domestic violence centers across the State, one of the observations Mrs. Bentley noted was the difference in facility condition, quality, and services. The Domestic Violence Trust Fund and Capital Improvement Program provide funding for domestic violence facilities in need. Additionally, a provision in the law establishes accountability and standards in service. The final component of Mrs. Bentley’s legislation deals directly with the perpetrators. Provisions of the law will be strengthened dealing with domestic violence crime scenes, protection orders, and court proceedings. A police report will be filed regardless of an arrest and judicial officers will have greater punishment alternatives for those who violate any protective order, conditional release, or bail.

It is disturbing to consider that homes across Alabama that are meant to be a place of solace and security become venues for violence and many victims may feel they do not have a way out.

A First Lady may choose from a variety of issues what to take on as her platform. Hundreds of worthy causes are waiting for a champion, but awareness and change are most effective with the right person with the right heart leading the way. I believe that’s what we have in Mrs. Bentley for the cause of domestic violence victims’ support. I hope you’ll join me in thanking our First Lady for this good work and encourage your lawmakers to support her legislation.

 

If you need help, call Alabama's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-650-6522.

 

By Lt. Governor Kay Ivey