PROTECT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VICTIMS: TELL THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO VOTE NO ON SB 174
SB 174 adds explicit affirmative defense language to the code of Virginia that helps violators of a no-contact provision in a protective order (PO).
- SB 174 discourages victims from seeking safety: Abusers frequently use the courts to exert power and control over their victims. They don’t need a road map in the code to help them use the very tool designed to protect victims from abusers — a PO — to continue to manipulate, control, and harass their victims.
- SB 174 is unnecessary as violators may already make arguments to mitigate their punishment for violating the no-contact provision of the PO: Many already use the “they invited me over” or “they contacted me” defense when charged with a violation of a PO.
This bill has passed the Senate. It will be heard in House Courts of Justice Subcommittee 1 this afternoon. Help us protect victims and urge the subcommittee members to vote NO on SB 174!
EMAIL AND TWEET AT THE SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
Personalized messages are especially effective. Please consider explaining why opposing this bill is important to you!
CALL THE SUBCOMMITTEE MEMBERS
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- Delegate Leslie Adams (Chair), (804) 698-1016
- Delegate Robert Bell, (804) 698-1058
- Delegate Margaret Ransone, (804) 698-1099
- Delegate Ronnie Campbell, 804) 698-1024
- Delegate Wren Williams, (804) 698-1009
- Delegate Vivian Watts, (804) 698-1039
- Delegate Charniele Herring, (804) 698-1046
- Delegate Karrie Delaney, (804) 698-1067
You can mention the talking points provided below, but we also encourage you to share why opposing this bill is important to you.
TALKING POINTS:
Please vote NO on SB 174. This bill adds explicit affirmative defense language to the code of Virginia that helps violators of a no-contact provision in a protective order (PO).
- SB 174 discourages victims from seeking safety: Abusers frequently use the courts to exert power and control over their victims. They don’t need a road map in the Code to help them use the very tool designed to protect victims from abusers — a PO — to continue to manipulate, control, and harass their victims.
- SB 174 is unnecessary as violators may already make arguments to mitigate their punishment for violating the no-contact provision of the PO: Many already use the “they invited me over” or “they contacted me” defense when charged with a violation of a PO.
Please protect victims and vote no on SB 174. Thank you.