LAWMAKERS TO HOLD BRIEFING ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND HEAR CONCERNS FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS AND DISCUSS THE NEED FOR POLICY CHANGE
Several domestic violence survivors will share their story of how they lost custody of their child(ren) to the abuser, even after a finding of domestic violence by the abuser
WHAT: The House Human Services Chairman, Rep. John Mizuno, will hold a legislative briefing to address domestic violence in Hawaii. Rep. Mizuno will identify certain concerns involving specific failures of the current “system” in adequately addressing domestic violence. Rep. Mizuno will also be hearing from domestic violence victims, survivor advocates, and agencies working directly with domestic violence victims, issuing protective orders and temporary restraining orders.
The briefing will:
• Identify and address concerns regarding domestic violence in Hawaii
• Explain the reason for the various bills which seek to provide greater protection for domestic violence victims
• Explain the difficulties in passing measures which seek to improve the state’s system in handling domestic violence cases
WHEN: Tuesday, June 21, 2011 – 11:35 a.m. Hawaii Standard Time (Televised in Hawaii on Ch. 53, for Neighbor Island residents and nationwide go to the internet www.olelo.org – click NATV Ch. 53 for online live stream coverage)
WHERE: Hawaii State Capitol, Room 329
WHY: Rep. Mizuno was contacted by several survivors of domestic violence who will be sharing their stories with lawmakers during the briefing. According to Rep. Mizuno, “It is extremely concerning to hear that time after time the abusers who beat our victims, many times end up gaining custody of the children. Based on our victims’ testimonies and information provided by organizations and advocates for domestic violence victims, I believe our current system has many major flaws in properly addressing domestic violence issues. Therefore, I am looking for solid solutions to better address domestic violence statewide at the conclusion of this briefing.”
-end-
