Morgan10028
Justice for Jennifer
- Joined
- Sep 5, 2019
- Messages
- 379
- Reaction score
- 5,531
I am SO glad you brought this up because I had the same thoughts yesterday. Mostly wondering what will change and how, specifically.Watched part of the Zoom Hearing/Discussion of Jennifer's Law yesterday. It was heartwarming, saddening, and frustrating as the scope of the implications for the law were discussed.
The following from the Stamford Advocate offers little to clarify how this measure can move forward:
The measure could well have have shielded Jennifer Dulos and countless spouses like her, an overwhelming number of people testifying in the marathon hearing said. It would expand the definition of domestic violence to include several forms of emotional or other abuse.
What is less agreed upon, however, is whether “coercive behavior,” a term widely used by domestic violence advocates and survivors but is undefined by the criminal justice system, should be applied in court as spouses seek protection. The change could bring unwanted, unintended consequences, several people said.
“Coercive control entails power and control over the victim through actions such as isolation, humiliation, intimidation, and domination,” Suzanne Adam, executive director of the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, said at Wednesday’s hearing. “It does not relate to a single incident, but is a purposeful pattern of behavior that takes place over a period of time in order to make the victim dependent on the abuser.”
'Jennifers' Law' draws wide support - and concerns about how it might work
A close friend of mine in CT is still being harassed by her ex-husband and when it was brought to the court, not only did nothing happen, but she came out on the losing end and it was this month! While I hope that this law passes and brings about positive change, I am interested in hearing specific measures that will be taken to create the change needed. This same friend was asked to take part in this law in the beginning, though after reading the original draft, didn't connect with how it would actually change the system. It's something and we're both rooting for it to be an impactful change.