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"Domestic violence is often a hidden act. Too often it is seen as a private matter between partners. IT IS NOT. Domestic violence is a public issue. Domestic violence is a public crime that demands a public response!"
-Curt Brungardt
Technorati Tags: Domestic,violence,crime,demands,response,partners,Curt,Brungardt
The Time for Action is Now!
According to a recent United Nations report, one in every three women worldwide will directly experience violence in their lifetime. The overwhelming majority of these women will be physically harmed by their intimate partners. In the United States, domestic violence is recognized as the leading cause of injuries experienced by women. And data from the US Department of Justice says on an average, three women every day are killed by their current or former partners. On July 3, 2008, Jana Lynne Mackey, a University of Kansas law student was one of these fatalities.
In honor of Jana, a committed group of advocates have created Jana's Campaign to encourage and promote a public policy response to domestic violence. "We believe it is our responsibility to use the story of Jana's life and the story of her death to help reduce violence against women." Jana's Campaign promotes new and effective legislation and other government action that secures safety and justice for victims of domestic violence. "It is our deep desire to play a significant role in breaking the cycle of domestic violence and be a catalyst for social change."
Public Policy Advocacy
Jana's Campaign is a grassroots, community based advocacy effort developed for the purpose of working in the domestic violence public policy arena. Partnering with other advocates, victims, the criminal justice system and law makers, this campaign encourages the development of effective state and national public policy. The campaign's goal is to move the issues of domestic violence to the top of the political agenda and support legislation that enhances victim's services, prevention and treatment programs, and provides for true accountability and justice. Currently Jana's Campaign is supporting new legislation in Jana's home state of Kansas. To learn more about the proposed Kansas domestic violence legislation click here.
"The actions of government bodies - their laws, practices, regulatory measures, and funding priorities - profoundly affect how women and their families experience life and freedom form domestic violence."
-National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women
About Jana
Jana Mackey was well-known throughout Kansas for her advocacy for women's rights. She had spent years volunteering to aid victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. She received her bachelor's degree in Women's Studies from KU and was an active participant in KU's Commission on the Status of Women. Jana also served as one of the youngest lobbyists at the Kansas State Capitol for the National Organization for Women.
The most unlikely of domestic violence victims, KU law student Jana Mackey was found dead in her ex-boyfriend's home on July 3, 2008. For more about Jana please visit Jana's story.
Jana's Campaign to stop domestic violence was motivated by, and developed as part of, Jana Mackey's 1100 Torches national campaign. For more information about her legacy see 1100torches.org.
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