This Thursday and Friday were two very productive days!! On Thursday, the first day of conference I learned a great deal about Legislative bill HB 1080. This bill would allow the domestically abused, male and female victims to keep their address undisclosed for four years and allow those to stay in hiding and renew via email and not through an application assistant. At this time Victims must seek out an application assistant to renew their application, and there are very few per County. This could cause delay in renewal and would put a Victim at higher risk of being found by their batterer. We then had a small break and then lunch with some of the legislators or legislative representatives. Lunch was a huge success I believe. It was very nice to meet The Assistant for Representative Conti. We had a very extensive conversation on Domestic violence and my experience in dealing with a CFI. I informed her of my trials and tribulations and expressed much of my concern for the future of our children. It was amazing to see her concern for the topic grow. I am looking forward to hearing from the Representatives office, and hope to help better Colorado in the near future. We ended the day off with Legislative Training given by Colorado Speaker of the House Terrance D. Carroll. He was an amazing speaker, and very down to earth. Mr. Carroll gave advise and answered questions about how to speak and relate to legislators, and did a fantastic job!
Friday Started out with breakfast with Representative Nancy Todd, a dynamic Woman and a strong supporter against Domestic Violence. I enjoyed listening to her speak and her personal insight on the topic of Domestic Violence. I would like to give a personal and very warm Thank you to Representative Todd for all of her hard work and dedication to a very important cause!!
After breakfast we all walked to the State Capitol to talk to the Legislation individually about HB 1080, and also to advocate more supporters for the Domestic Violence Fight! I was assigned Senator Nance Spence. I was very nervous to speak with Senator Spence, but like Representative Todd, I found her to be quite Dynamic! I was able to speak to her about HB 1080, and also about funding for Domestic Violence programs, and my concern about CFI's in Colorado. She was very receptive to all I said and even said she would vote yes on HB 1080, after reading the full bill. She also addressed my concern for the lack of accountability CFI's have in Colorado, and has started an investigation in Arapahoe County. Senator Spence is a very warm and intelligent Woman. She is very aware of the problems our children face within the court system and has taken initiative to help stop the problem. I Thank you Senator Spence for your time speaking with me and listening to my concerns.
I will continue to advocate against Domestic Violence and feel very hopeful at this time for the future. I have never felt so happy about facing a challenge head on, than I do today. Please leave your stories or comments on this blog. You never know, Legislation may hear your voice as well.......
JJ
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