Taking Steps to End Domestic Violence

Today I stood shoulder to shoulder with dedicated and impassioned representatives of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence and State Representative Mae Flexer as CCADV unveiled their legislative plan for 2010.  It is problematic that Connecticut is one of five states left in America that does not have 24 hour staff at their domestic violence shelters.  Domestic violence is a widespread problem that touches people of all ages, races and socio-economic status. Even amongst our young people, 13% report being physically abused by someone they've dated.  And that's just those who have reported it to officials.  It's time that Connecticut took the steps required to help reduce these numbers.  By creating a look back period for persistent offenders, increasing education for teens and increasing access to emergency shelters, for example, we can begin to turn the tide.

As Secretary of the State, I made it one of my priorities to protect the identities of victims of domestic violence when I created the "Safe at Home/Address Confidentiality" program which protects victims of domestic violence and sexual assault by keeping their addresses confidential.  As Attorney General I pledge to continue that effort by supporting proposals such as those put forth today by CCADV.  The over 56,000 victims of domestic violence in Connecticut deserve better.