CCFVTF Meeting and Lockhart Police Chief, Mike Lummas

The OOVC went down to Lockhart, Texas yesterday for the monthly meeting of the Caldwell County Family Violence Task Force (at the famous Sirloin Stockade). This was perhaps one of the most illuminating and productive meetings of the task force to date, or at least that I have had the privilege to attended. Lockhart Police Chief, Mike Lummas, was invited to speak, did so eloquently and opened the floor to a debate on the difficulties faced by domestic violence service providers and police officers in the field.

Discussion started with the issue of dual arrest used as a stop gap measure on the part of officers in domestic violence calls and how this generates enormous systemic difficulties for the victims of aggression (because this results in their now having a criminal record), and progressed to the lack of training and the high turnover rate of young officers who are poorly paid and overworked, as well as to the high personal risk faced by responding line officers. Also discussed were institutional short-comings across the board in all social sectors and coordination problems between institutions and actors. Members of the Hays-Caldwell Women's Center spoke well, as did members of the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office and Martindale Police Department.

Issues may not have been resolved, but they were addressed and there was communication and an important exchange of information between actors of different perspectives who might not otherwise find an opportunity to engage one another.

A small example: Law enforcement expressed frustration and fatigue at "always having the woman return to her abuser," especially after all their hard work, personal and professional. In the face of other obligations, commitments, and limited resources was it worth going out time and time again to the same household? Shelter advocates pointed out, on average, it takes a victim of domestic violence 7 - 9 attempts, i.e., requests for help, before she/he is finally ready to make the decision to leave a batterer. Each interaction with social service provider and police provides a little more information, a little more confidence.

To my mind the Task Force had an exemplary meeting yesterday. Bravo.

BT

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just a quick note to say PAPA and the OOVC wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

(We'll be up and running again Monday, November 27.)

Pro Bono Publico Program to Launch 2007 -- Suggestions?

Dear Friends:

As many of you know, the OOVC is working on refining our pro bono program, developing and designing materials, trainings, support networks, and procedure. Most of my office's work for the rest of the year (now that community outreach has slowed down somewhat) will be to ensure that our new Pro Bono Publico Program is ready to launch early 2007, with the New Year.

If any of you as pro bono attorneys or volunteers have any suggestions as to how to improve the current system or things you'd like to see in the new system, please let me know -- your input is extremely valued and will be very helpful. Feel free to contact me directly or to leave comments on the blog.

Best,

BT

Immigration in the News

Immigration is a hot topic these days. Check out our Executive Director, Chris Jimmerson, commenting on recent immigration initiatives on KXAN (under "featured videos"). And read the story, here.

Isidora Sanchez at Youth Advocacy

This is a great photo of Isidora Sanchez, who gave a stellar Immigrant Rights presentation at Youth Advocacy.

Thanks, Isidora!

BT

PAPA featured on KUT's Get Involved and KXAN News

I'm happy to report KUT has featured PAPA in its Get Involved series. Our "spot" will be running on KUT the week of November 6-11, so stay tuned! Several long-time volunteers were featured, including some of our best translators and pro bono attorneys, as well as a few staffers, one of which started as a client and, the other, as a work study student years ago. Visit the KUT webpage where you can read about PAPA and listen to the spot and -- by all means -- Get Involved!

We were also asked by KXAN, Austin Channel 36, to comment today on the Basta Ya campaign and violence against immigrants -- so keep an eye out for yours truly on the evening news.