If we want change, we need to respectfully ask for change. Here is a sample letter you can send to your elected government officials. Keep in mind that you should use your own "wording" to make it sound a bit more personal. Feel free to send email or "snail" mail, using the resources below to locate your federal and state representatives.
Federal: Who is my Representative?
State: State Legislature Websites
Today’s Date
Your Street Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Title. Name: (ex. Dear Senator Smith:)
I am among a growing number of citizens who feel that women
are not being adequately served within the criminal justice and family court systems. Perhaps you are familiar with the Joyful
Heart Foundation’s NO MORE campaign to end violence against women, in light of
a recent study funded by the Avon Foundation for Women. It clearly shows that our history of focusing
on the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is failing to protect our
nation’s women and children. The
reccomendation is to begin holding abusers accountable for their actions, as
well as encouraging bystanders to speak out and seek help.
We believe this movement has great potential, but we also realize
that legal reform is necessary to empower victims, rather than condemn them to
suffer more trauma and loss. In our personal
experiences, we are finding inadequate legal and financial representation for
women escaping abuse. This, in addition
to untrained law enforcement and judicial powers, is placing victims and entire
families in a dire imbalance of justice; one that often results in death. Finally, we are concerned with the inconsistent
liberties taken by District Attorney Offices to avoid prosecution of offenders. The message being sent throughout the chain
of our protective public servants is, “these cases are more trouble than they
are worth to us.” Victims hear that
message loud and clear, and they often choose to suffer in silence.
This is not acceptable in a civilized society; furthermore,
the violence puts our communities at risk and our nation in peril. The time to make the changes is now. I do hope you agree, and I will be closely following
your work in these areas of policy reform.
Respectfully,
[Your Signature]
Your Typed Name
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