Lawmakers Call for House Committee Action on Bill to Protect Rape/Domestic Violence Victims

State Sen. Debbe Leftwich and Rep. Rebecca Hamilton are calling for a house committee to vote on legislation to give victims of sexual assault or domestic violence some economic protection. Senate Bill 935 was approved unanimously by the full Senate last year. It eventually was assigned to the House Rules committee but no further action was taken during the 2005 session. The lawmakers are asking for the bill to be heard before the final deadline for House committee action in two weeks.

“It is a travesty that someone who has been stalked, beaten or raped is then made to feel they have no choice but to quit their job because they need to take time off to find a shelter or to see a doctor. It simply shouldn’t occur in this day and age—but we know it can and does happen,” said Leftwich, D-Oklahoma City.

SB 935, the “Victims Economic Security and Safety Act” (VESSA), was originally requested by the Oklahoma Conference of Churches, an interdenominational Christian organization representing more than half a million Oklahomans, as well as by Oklahoma’s Catholic Charities. Other organizations supporting the measure include the Oklahoma City YWCA and the Oklahoma Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault.

“This bill simply guarantees unpaid leave for Oklahomans who have been the victims of rape or domestic violence,” said Hamilton, D-Oklahoma City. “Somewhere between one fourth and one half of all victims say they lost a job because of domestic violence, yet the fact is it’s more expensive for businesses to replace an experienced worker than to ensure they have adequate leave time after they’ve been the victim of such crimes.”

Leftwich said there were other valid reasons victims need to be allowed time off from work, including seeking protective orders, meetings with attorneys or court appearances.

“In 2003, there were 33 domestic homicides in Oklahoma and reports of domestic violence have been increasing in our state. We rank 13th in the nation in the number of women murdered by men,” Leftwich said. “I fear some women stay in violent relationships because of financial concerns—whether it is risking their husband’s income or their own. Passing VESSA will not hurt businesses and it very well may help save lives. I strongly urge the house members to take action on this legislation now and not turn their backs on victims of domestic violence and rape.”

One woman, who asked that her full name be withheld, said she had been a victim of domestic violence. She eventually took her children and left her abusive spouse, but he tracked her down and savagely beat her one morning. She had not worked at her place of employment long enough to receive disability, but could not collect unemployment because her injuries and subsequent surgery prevented her from actively seeking employment, a condition of receiving unemployment benefits.

“If there’s anyway we can just get this bill passed so women are able to at least know that they are secured with their employment and that they do have a place to go back to where they can provide for their children and their family and for themselves…it would really be great. I wish it would have been available when I sustained my injuries and I was assaulted by my husband.”

Oklahomans wishing to voice their support for a hearing on SB 935 can call the State House of Representatives at 405-521-2711, or 1-800-522-8502.

“This truly is a matter of life and death to some Oklahomans—it is immoral to ignore their plight,” Hamilton said. “Giving this legislation a fair hearing is simply the right thing to do.”