MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – One in three women are assaulted by someone they know. Now the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act will help protect women in Minnesota.
There are two key provisions in the bill. That
The first would ensure that victims should never have to pay for their own rape kits, and the bill would make it illegal for women to be evicted from federal housing just because they are victims of domestic violence.
“A woman shouldn’t have to decide whether to sleep in a car or stay with her abuser,” said Sen. Al Franken, who had provisions attached to the legislation.
Minneapolis Police Chief Janee Harteau says the bill would also help police on the street.
The bill will also help in the collection of evidence at the scene, which should lead to better conviction rates.
Minneapolis City Attorney Susan Segal says if authorities can intervene early, they can stop the escalation of domestic violence.
She shared a story about a 3-year-old child, who tried to stop his father from hitting his mother with a belt. He told police to do what they had to do to help his mother.
“And he told the officer, that he loves his dad, but it’s okay if he wants to shoot him, to protect his mom,” Segal said.
Franken said the bill is good for every woman who has ever hesitated to call police for help.
