Deasy and advocates take pledge against domestic violence

Introduces resolution for National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

Allegheny County Delegation    April 15, 2024 | 3:30 PM

HARRISBURG, April 15 – State Rep. Dan Deasy hosted crime victim advocates at a news conference on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week today at the state Capitol.

Deasy, D-Allegheny, introduced legislation (H.R. 332) recognizing the national week in Pennsylvania from April 22 through April 27.

Deasy also invited attendees to take the Men’s Challenge Pledge, which states “I pledge not to participate in, approve of, or remain silent about violence. I pledge to be an active bystander who will speak out about violence against women and girls. I will encourage all men to work together with the Center for Victims and use our collective voices and resources to end all forms of violence.”

“One in 3 women face domestic violence, with more than half killed by a current or former intimate partner,” Deasy said. “The week we are recognizing calls us all to find out how can help crime victims and be prepared if someone confides in us. We need to make sure we are all familiar with the services available in our communities. Awareness is key.”

Deasy was joined by Colleen Bowers, an advocate whose daughter was killed by her boyfriend in 2012.

“I can’t mention or even say the words enough of when you have domestic violence homicide, let alone people in that situation, how there are so many aftereffects that live for eternity while you’re trying to move forward,” Bowers said.

She added that women are encouraged to take the Men’s Challenge Pledge.

“Since this was created by the Center for Victims, it stands as it says but at the same time, anybody can take this pledge to actually take a stand against domestic violence,” she said.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week was established in 1981 with the goal of getting people to confront and remove barriers to achieve justice for all victims of crime.

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ATTENTION EDITORS AND ASSIGNMENT DESKS: Video of the conference is available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BS90oVHe_Yo

Photos of the conference are available here: https://pahouse.com/Deasy/PhotoGallery?g=5928

House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa.