WILLIAMS OFFERS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF VIOLENCE

HARRISBURG, NOV. 8 – During a news conference in the Capitol today, state Sen. Connie Williams talked about her legislation that would protect victims of domestic violence and their children.

Williams’ legislation would change publishing requirements for a court-ordered name change, so that victims of domestic violence and their children would not have to publish a notice in two newspapers of general circulation.

“Many people who successfully leave violent relationships want to reestablish themselves in a new location not known to the batterer,” Williams said. “Oftentimes this means legally changing their name and the names of their children. The problem is that to obtain a court-ordered name change, you are required to publish a notice in two newspapers of general circulation, and, when a child is affected by name changing proceedings, you must give the petition to the non-petitioning parent.

“This requirement places at risk any person who has fled domestic violence and wants to reestablish themselves in a location not known to the batterer. My proposed legislation would protect the victim and any children from what can some times be escalated violence after separation.”

Williams’ legislation also would allow for the court records to be sealed, so that abusers can’t follow a paper trail to the former victim.

“Domestic violence is not only wrong – it is illegal,” Williams said. “It is not enough to simply talk about solutions – we must find solutions with a real impact that will protect victims and save lives.”

“It takes courage to stand up for yourself when you are in an abusive relationship and reach out for help,” Williams said. “It takes guts to leave the relationship. It takes strong laws to protect survivors of domestic violence. If we are to break the cycle of abuse and protect the lives of its victims, it is important that we continue to raise awareness to this issue every day.”