California bill targets LGBT domestic violence

[ccharles000]

(Sacramento, California) Legislation has been filed in the California Assembly to expand domestic violence services for members of the LGBT community.

The bill would broaden access for LGBT service providers to a state fund within the California Emergency Management Agency, which supports LGBT-specific domestic violence programs across the state and is subsidized by a $23 fee on new domestic partner registrations. The fund was originally established by the legislature in 2006.

Few studies have been done on the issue of abuse within gay households but it is believed to be as widespread as among opposite-sex relationships.

One recent study found that nationwide LGBT domestic violence victims, especially gay men, often are reluctant to report abuse. Another study found that 57 percent of LGBT victims become homeless due to the abuse; 18 percent “lose everything.”

Agencies that deal with the abused across the country frequently have little understanding of LGBT partner abuse and few services, including shelter are available.

The California law, originally passed in 2006, was the first of its kind in the country. The new bill, filed by Assembly Member John A. Perez (D) would make more resources available.

http://www.365gay.com/news/california-bill-targets-lgbt-domestic-violence/

[ccharles000]

1. kick

[Threedifferentones]

2. If only our society did not teach men that women are objects we would not have this problem

Errrr, wait a sec...

[Lost in CT]

3. You ruining the MEME.... nt

[Threedifferentones]

4. This seems pretty important to me

KICK