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Rep. Rosita C. Youngblood (D-Phila.) The unfortunate victims of rape and other forms of domestic violence need many advocates in state government. Over the past decade, I have been one of them. During my term as a state legislator, I have sponsored a number of legislative initiatives to help women, including a state law providing coverage for the cost of emergency contraception. My record of support for victims of domestic violence is strong and consistent. Ten years ago, I fought hard to make sure no rape victim would ever have to worry about the cost of emergency contraception, and now it's a state law. During the state legislature's special session on crime in 1995, I introduced legislation that would later be incorporated into Act 20 of 1995. The law requires that forensic rape exams and any medications prescribed, including emergency contraception, be paid without charge to the victim. Rape is a tragic crime that leaves individuals feeling powerless. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, there were 198,850 rapes and sexual assaults measured in the U.S. in 2003. Many rapes and sexual attacks are committed by relatives or individuals the victim is familiar with. In Philadelphia, anyone who has been raped or sexually assaulted can call the Women Organized Against Rape hotline at 215-985-3333 for help. Another serious problem facing victims in Pennsylvania is domestic violence. Each year in the U.S., intimate partner violence affects about 1.5 million women. These women are left victimized physically, emotionally and mentally. For those suffering from abuse, there is a National Domestic Abuse Hotline, 1-800-799-7233, where help is available. Recovery from such a tragic incident is possible; however, appropriate time is necessary for a full recovery. I absolutely believe victims of domestic violence need the necessary time away from work to get their lives back in order. The incident itself is stressful enough, without feeling increased pressure from work obligations. That's why I introduced a bill last year, patterned after the Family Leave Act, which would provide 30 days of annual leave for people dealing with domestic violence matters. Individuals could use the time to recover from an occurrence, attend legal proceedings, relocate to another area, participate in counseling and various other activities. I'm hoping we will see action on this bill before the end of the year. Another initiative that has my full support would allow domestic violence victims to receive insurance payments for intentional acts. Without this legislation, the insurer would not be required to provide reimbursement for premeditated incidents. The measure passed the House and is currently awaiting consideration in the Senate. Again, I hope to see movement before the end of the legislative session. Working to ensure the safety of our children, I sponsored a law, known as the Kinship Care Program, that requires county children and youth agencies to give relatives first consideration before other areas of placement for foster children are explored. The law is currently working to keep young children in the care and comfort of immediate family members whenever possible. Throughout my legislative career, I have dedicated a good deal of time and effort to ensuring the safety and well-being of women and children -- particularly the unfortunate victims of rape and domestic violence. I stand behind my accomplishments and will continue to place a high priority on this issue. CapNews Guest Speaker: Archives |
