Catholic Charities In the News
A step toward safety
March 10, 2009 - The Times-Picayune
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Re: "Taking batterers seriously, " Our Opinions, Feb. 28.
The editorial writer was so very right. The change in the way domestic violence charges are prosecuted (in Criminal District Court, rather than Municipal Court) is a huge step forward in giving domestic violence the attention and consequences it deserves.
There will continue to be challenges and realignment of resources to assure victim safety. But we know that one of the most effective ways to keep survivors safe is to hold the batterer accountable.
Too often the victims must go into hiding, and tremendous resources are required to keep the survivor safe while the batterer remains free to torment and re-victimize the family.
It just seems to make sense and is far more cost effective to remove the batterer from the home and have that person's freedom restricted, rather than to place the victims in hiding and force them to relocate, dislodging them from their communities and support system and their children from their homes and schools.
Mary Claire Landry, LCSW, MBA
Director
Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Services
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans
New Orleans
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