Personal reflections
As a social
worker, domestic violence advocacy is one of the areas I find myself most drawn
to. I see there will always be a need to assist, educate and guide clients
toward a better outcome when it comes to becoming a survivor. I must say, I am
embarrassed that the State of Georgia is once again at the tale end of doing
the right thing for its abuse victims. I am not discouraged though. Each year,
GCADV publishes national statistics on how Georgia stacks up against with other
states. This year we are 12th in the nation
in DV homicides (GCADV, 2014). The state has risen from 6th in 2011 to 12th in 2013 in the nation so it does do we are moving in the right direction although slowly.
HB-911 address a key social issue that is sweeping our nation so much so that 37 other state have address this issue(National Strangulation Training Institute, 2013). Strangulations is the precursor to more violent behavior from abuser. Its their way of letting the victim know I am in control and I have the power over you. This law has the potential to save lives. HB-911 gives a victims courage to say I was strangled and now the criminal court system is set up to respond to that cry for help.
HB-911 address a key social issue that is sweeping our nation so much so that 37 other state have address this issue(National Strangulation Training Institute, 2013). Strangulations is the precursor to more violent behavior from abuser. Its their way of letting the victim know I am in control and I have the power over you. This law has the potential to save lives. HB-911 gives a victims courage to say I was strangled and now the criminal court system is set up to respond to that cry for help.
STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF HB-911
STRENGTHS
HB-911 will allow a helping advocates like Victims Advocates, Prosecutors, Solicitors, Law Enforcement, Facilitator of DV shelters better assist victims of strangulation.
Value: Service
Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need to address social problems.
HB-911 will close the criminal court loophole which allow repeat offenders to get lighter sentence by being charged under a misdemeanor statue.
Value: Social Justice
Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.
HB-911 will victims of strangulation know in the State of Georgia that they are important to society and that their safety is being looked out for.
Value: Dignity and Worth of the person
Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
WEAKNESSES
HB-911 will not have implementation dollars to ensure the important parties involved with insuring the law is enforced are trained to recognize strangulation victims.
Value: Competence
Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and professional expertise.
I support HB-911 because it ultimately will give all victims of violence by the hand of a stranger relief because this person now has a greater change of a much harsher sentence. Too many defendants were getting light sentences because the statues for strangulation in the State of Georgia was not covered. Buy as of April 22, 2014, that is no longer the case.
HB-911 will allow a helping advocates like Victims Advocates, Prosecutors, Solicitors, Law Enforcement, Facilitator of DV shelters better assist victims of strangulation.
Value: Service
Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need to address social problems.
HB-911 will close the criminal court loophole which allow repeat offenders to get lighter sentence by being charged under a misdemeanor statue.
Value: Social Justice
Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.
HB-911 will victims of strangulation know in the State of Georgia that they are important to society and that their safety is being looked out for.
Value: Dignity and Worth of the person
Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
WEAKNESSES
HB-911 will not have implementation dollars to ensure the important parties involved with insuring the law is enforced are trained to recognize strangulation victims.
Value: Competence
Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and professional expertise.
I support HB-911 because it ultimately will give all victims of violence by the hand of a stranger relief because this person now has a greater change of a much harsher sentence. Too many defendants were getting light sentences because the statues for strangulation in the State of Georgia was not covered. Buy as of April 22, 2014, that is no longer the case.