To end domestic violence, we need to make sure that we are utilizing the legal system to make abusers think twice before harming someone. In short, there MUST be stiff penalties for abuse. All types of abuse: physical and emotional. This absolutely includes stalking and harassment.
Senator Holly Thompson Rehder speaks often to groups in support of those trapped in domestic violence. From small groups of survivors in shelters, to keynoting large galas put on to raise money for domestic violence safe houses, Holly’s story is captivating and she goes straight to the heart of why we must hold abusers accountable and how we can support families’ suffering, all while explaining to every survivor in the room how to find their strength and know their worth.
As a legislator, Senator Holly Thompson Rehder has continuously worked on strengthening our laws surrounding domestic violence. Check out the links below to learn more about the policies she has supported:
- Oftentimes, survivors have to flee their homes quickly and do not have time to gather necessary documents to begin again. Holly passed legislation to allow Free Birth Certificates for Survivors to help ease the red tape of starting over.
- Many abusers simply refuse to follow a court’s orders after you have gone through the awful process of divorce or criminal proceeding. This is one more way for them to keep a hold on their victim. Senator Rehder has fought for Senate Bill 864, to require courts, in an action to enforce a temporary order or final judgment in a divorce proceeding, to order court costs and fees to be paid by the party who refuses. Abusers must be held accountable by the court system. This important change has not made it to the Governor’s desk just yet.
- Stalking and harassment can be just as traumatic as other forms of domestic abuse. It is common place for abusers to maintain their hold by cutting off their victim’s cell phone, changing passcodes to bank accounts, approaching them in the parking lot of the grocery store…this list goes on and on. Over the past decade, Holly has worked on passing several pieces of legislation increasing the penalties for stalking and harassment, including revenge porn, and family pet harm and threats.
- Lifetime Protection Orders – Along with two very courageous survivors and Representative Lane Roberts, Senator Thompson Rehder pushed through the ability for survivors to get Lifetime Protection Orders. The Kansas City Star published a story on the passing here.
Children–Domestic violence doesn’t land squarely on one person in the home. It’s important we understand that domestic violence greatly harms children as well, even if they have never been touched physically. Children growing up in this type of trauma and abuse often perpetuate the abuse as adults.
Learn how to break the cycle, visit cope24.com for additional resources to help children. Below is a film “short” produced by Cope24.com using one of Holly’s personal stories. It is raw, it is painful, and it is honest. Please take a moment to watch:
