CCADV’s Civil Protection & Domestic Relations Orders Bill (HB 1259)
Heads to the Governor for Signature!!!
Victims and Survivors of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault and stalking, Advocates, Legal Professionals, Parents and Community Partners spoke up for greater safety and an enhanced response to abuse by Colorado’s civil legal system and they were heard! The vast majority of legislators agreed, and thanks to the tireless dedication, passion and strong leadership of Representative Beth McCann and Senator Linda Newell, sponsors of the bill, it’s now on its way to the Governor’s desk!
After the initial favorable vote by the Senate on Friday, May 3rd, HB 1259 was caught up on Monday in a procedural hurdle associated with another bill, but received final passage by a vote of 24-11 in the Senate yesterday. Once HB 1259 is signed into law, the provisions go into effect July 1, 2013 and apply to domestic relations petitions or motions filed on or after the effective date and apply to civil protection orders entered on or after the effective date.
CCADV knows that this bill will not address all of the challenges and injustices experienced by victims and survivors of abuse as they seek safety and protection for themselves or their children through the Colorado civil legal system, but we believe it is a significant step in the right direction.
We would be remiss if we didn’t thank our sister organization, the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, as well as Parents United for Change, for their contributions to the bill and for their support. Finally, CCADV extends our gratitude once again to all of you for your time and energy to bring this new law to fruition through development of the underlying recommendations by members of the Domestic Violence & Domestic Relations Task Force, by serving on the Public Policy Committee, providing testimony, or contacting legislators to seek their support. We did this together!
- Click here to access the final version of the bill.
- The most current bill fact sheet is available here.
Here are a few of the things we've been working on lately.
Legislative Wrap-up Report. An overview of what we accomplished with the help of our members and allies in Colorado's 2012 Legislative Session.
Summary of Colorado's significant new laws that directly pertain to victims and survivors of domestic violence.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 8: Domestic Violence and Teens
BE INFORMED: Teens today need help learning to navigate dating relationships. Unfortunately, many teens are in dating relationships which are not safe and healthy. According to Love is Respect,
One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence.
One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend.
One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse.
Even among middle schoolers aged 11-14, recent research has found that nearly one in six (15%) report being a victim of physical dating violence.
“Rather than repairing the damage later on, parents/caregivers, teachers and communities can help equip young people to develop healthy relationships throughout their life.” ~ Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, 2012.
There are many ways that parents, educators, coaches, and other concerned adults can build young people’s knowledge and skills for engaging in healthy relationships – and access to support and intervention resources when needed.
TAKE ACTION: For parents of teens, check out some great resources to help you talk with your child about healthy relationships and teen dating violence.
If you work with Teens, watch this training video to get better informed about Teen Dating Violence and how to help teens be safe in their relationships.
Teachers, build healthy relationship information into your curriculum! You can, for example, incorporate it into literature lessons, or find a curriculum that meets the needs of your student population and community.
Coaches, you know you're important role models for your young athletes! Learn how to incorporate healthy relationship information in your coaching!
Everyone, please spread the word about the National Dating Violence Helpline! Online support is available at www.loveisrespect.org through the live chat feature, or by texting 'loveis' directly to 77054 to begin a text chat with an advocate. They can also be reached by calling 1-866-331-9474 or TTY 1-866-331-8453.
Here are some sample posters to download and use in the Facebook Photo VAWA Campaign:
Domestic violence devastates lives and communities
Domestic violence continues at epidemic levels
MONDAY, OCTOBER 15: Domestic Violence in the Workplace
BE INFORMED: It IS your business! The impact of domestic violence on the workplace includes lost wages, absenteeism, and non-productvity of not only victims and perpetrators, but also co-workers. As with other forms of workplace violence, it is important to take a proactive approach to the issue. Educate yourself about how to recognize domestic violence; respond with appropriate policies, procedures, and sensitivity; and refer to appropriate internal and community resources.
Remember that it is not your responsibility to "fix" the problem. Your responsibility is to realize that there is a problem and to work within your role as an employer.
TAKE ACTION: Colorado employers have great resources available to them through the Make It Your Business program of the Colorado Bar Association. At their website, you can find resources for: co-workers of abuse victims, co-workers of someone who is abusive and employers. Business owners and managers can download a Workplace Handbook to help you implement policies to keep all your employees safer.