Support SB 616, Protect Victims of Domestic Violence
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WE the undersigned residents of Oregon urge you to support Senate Bill 616 as an important "human welfare and safety issue." SB 616 will allow Oregon judges to add animals belonging to victims of domestic violence to restraining orders under the Family Abuse Prevention Act (FAPA).
OVER a dozen studies have reported that the threat of animals being killed or harmed is a significant barrier that keeps battered women from escaping abusive situations. It is unknown how many women never seek help because they have no safe options for their pets.
SEVENTEEN states have legislation that allow judges to include animals in restraining orders for the protection of family-abuse victims; however, Oregon is NOT one of them. While Oregon has laws against animal cruelty, the statues do not prevent batterers from killing, selling, or otherwise disposing of the family pet (or threats thereof) as a way to hold women and children hostage. It is vital that the victims of family violence are protected from these leverage techniques used to control family members and others.
COSTS of domestic and sexual violence injuries in Oregon exceed $50 million dollars a year. Documented cases of batterers forcing women to leave shelters and return home to protect their pets shows that all costs associated with domestic violence prevention, law enforcement, judicial system, women's shelters, court advocates, mental health services and more can be undone simply by allowing the batterer access to family pets. Please take this weapon out of the hands of batterers and protect victims of family abuse from further suffering.
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