aNNIVERSARY OF THE vawa statement

As Minnesotans we have many reasons to be proud; including the Duluth Model and it’s approach in reducing violence against women. I took a job as a reporter in Duluth shortly after the model was  launched to reform the criminal justice system. At that time victims of domestic abuse I interviewed had few options. 

Led by the late Ellen Pence police officers, social workers and domestic abuse workers were trained to listen, engage and assist victims to escape violence. Prosecutors and the court system embraced the model which today is credited with saving lives and reducing recidivism.

We’ve come a long way since the birth of the Duluth Model and the Violence Against Women Act that followed in 1994.
Vice-President Joe Biden was the lead author of that legislation, one of the many reasons he’s earned my vote to become our next president.
Unfortunately, The Republican controlled U.S. Senate failed to re-authorize the act last year taking away support and funding for women who are abused by their partners and spouses. 

​We must do better.
On this anniversary of the passage of the National Violence Against Women Act, we must stand in support of those who continue to advocate for institutional and social change, intervene in the lives of battered women and address systemic problems using creative and effective solutions.
Michelle Lee
DFL Candidate for MN Senate District 11