Violence Against Women Act Signed, Local Students React
By: Caroline Tucker
Updated: March 7, 2013
With the stroke of the President's pen, the Violence Against Women Act, once again became law in the U.S.
The law lapsed more than a year ago and a fight waged between Democrats and Republicans over expanding the law to other groups.
Under the authorization, domestic violence victims which include women and some men, will get more protections and services.
Also, members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, as well as Native Americans, and immigrants will receive better protections.
"I think it's great the legislation is getting involved in this and its putting more of an awareness on these populations," said Amy Greer, co-chair of Monroe Community College's Civility Committee.
"I feel that domestic disputes are a large part of college campuses," said Greer who said many students don't have a good grasp on understanding what a healthy relationship is all about.
For the last week, the committee's "Enough is Enough" campaign reached out to students to teach non-violence.
One exhibit tells the story of 12 college women killed because of domestic abuse, including the story of Alex Kogut who was killed at SUNY Brockport.
"We want to focus on providing ways for them to have an outlet," said Greer who said they want to provide resources to people who may know someone affected by violence or dealing with it themselves.
Students also wrote positive notes to staff, participated in pledges, and other acts of kindness.
"It's good to have awareness, a lot of problems in society is the lack of knowledge of what's going on to bring it to attention it starts a chain," said Perfection Rivers, an MCC student.
Students say these programs and the latest legislation help victims have a voice.
"It's 2013 and a lot of things change and I think it's very important that [President] Obama is doing that because we need somebody to speak for us," said Jazmine Elliott, an MCC student.
"The power is with them to make the changes in our society," said Greer.
