Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities

On August 4th of 2008 Speaker of the House Jim Amann (D-Milford) launched the task force to examine domestic violence of immigrant women and children, who often suffer in silence due to lack of understanding of the legal system, assistance available to them and fear that their immigration status will be questioned. The scope of Speaker Amann’s Task Force will include analysis of current domestic violence statutes, support available to victims, and law enforcement policies and practices. The task force will be charged with recommending legislative and public policy changes that can enhance protection for victims and ensure they receive assistance and support.

Goals:

Examine current domestic violence laws
Examine support/assistance available to victims
Examine law enforcement policies and practices
Examine other related topics
Recommend public policy changes, legislative proposals

---- DVIC on NPR ----

Task Force Studies Domestic Violence in Immigrant Communities
By Lucy Nalpathanchil

Meeting Dates

DOCUMENTS

State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, Division of State Police, Crimes Analysis Unit
2005 Family Violence Arrests
2005 Family Violence Detailed Report
2005 Family Violence Homicides
2006 Family Violence Arrests
2006 Family Violence Detailed Report
2006 Family Violence Homicides

Fiscal Impact of Domestic Violence
on the Criminal Justice System
November 18, 2008

Funding for domestic violence programs
October 6, 2008

New DHS Immigration Statistics Reports
Estimates of the Unauthorized Immigrant Population Residing in the United States: January 2007
This report provides estimates of the unauthorized immigrant population residing in the United States as of January 2007 for periods of entry and leading countries of birth and states of residence.
Nonimmigrant Admissions to the United States: 2007
This report examines the number and characteristics of nonimmigrant admissions in fiscal year 2007.
Data on Nonimmigrant Admissions:
Access data on nonimmigrant admissions by class, country, and other characteristics for fiscal year 2007.

Existing Studies and Reports

Statewide Domestic Violence Phone Numbers

Family Violence Prevention Fund
The Facts on Children and Domestic Violence
The Facts on Immigrant Women and Domestic Violence
Power and Control Tactics Used Against Immigrant Women
Immigrant Power and Control Wheel
Barriers

Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Facts and Stats
Domestic Violence in Connecticut
Warning Signs of Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Services
Domestic Violence Programs in Connecticut
Definition of Domestic Violence

Family Violence Prevention Fund's
"Speaking Out"
September 16, 2008

Foreign Born Population by County
August 12, 2008

Connecticut Catholic Conference
Statement of the Roman Catholic Biships of Connecticut
To See the Immigrant Through the Eyes of Faith
May 1, 2008

Trafficking in Persons Council
Annual Report January 2008

Domestic Violence
February 5, 2007

State Program Access for Non-Citizens
May 19, 2005

December 9, 2008

Financial Trends of the Interest
on Lawyers' Trust Accounts program

October 28, 2008

Agenda

Minutes

Non-Citizen Domestic Violence Cases
A Public Defender Perspective

2006 Family Violence Arrests

Video of the Meeting

October 14, 2008

Agenda

Minutes

Jane F. Rodas, Esq.
Director, Project Rescue & Assist New Americans International Institute of Connecticut, Inc.
Testimony

Domestic Violence Service Needs in the
Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Community
Elizabeth Carey, M.S.W
Testimony

Domestic Violence Service Needs: Victims and Perpetrators in the Spanish-Speaking Immigrant Community

Video of the Meeting

September 26, 2008

Agenda

Minutes

Immigration Remedies for Survivors of Domestic Violence

Ahava Kids

Ahava Kids Testimony

September 9, 2008

Agenda

Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney’s Office,
Specialized Domestic Violence Unit
Domestic Violence and Immigrant Populations

Domestic Violence Kits

Victim-Centered Prosecution And Team Meeting

Connecticut Statewide Family Justice Center Initiative
Concept Paper

Video of the meeting

August 14, 2008

Agenda

Minutes

Coordinating Council for Children in Crisis, Inc.
Statement written and presented by
Maria Teresa Restrepo-Ruiz, MA

Video of the meeting

August 4, 2008

Agenda

Minutes

Public Officials

Speaker of the House
James Amann

Rep. Gerald Fox (Co-Chair)
Rep. Tom Reynolds (Co-Chair)
Sen. Andrew McDonald
Rep. Arthur O’Neill
Sen. John Kissel
Rep. Peggy Sayers
Rep. Kelvin Roldan

Members/Appointed Designee

Michael Culhane
Executive Director
CT Catholic Conference

Andrew Schneider
Executive Director
CT Civil Liberties Union

Agnes Maldonado
Executive Director
CT Coalition Against
Domestic Violence

Robert Fishman
President
CT Immigration
and Refugee Coalition

Enelsa Diaz, Esq.
Greater Hartford Legal Aid

Sandra Trevino
Executive Director
Junta, Inc.

Fernando Betancourt
Executive Director
Latino & PR Affairs Commission

Linda Cimino
Executive Director
Office of Victim Services

Teresa Younger
Executive Director
Permanent Commission
on the Status of Women

Staff

Heidi A. Voight
860-240-8583
heidi.voight@cga.ct.gov

Tracy La Fontaine
Assistant PR Director to the Speaker
(860) 240-8525 tracy.lafontaine@cga.ct.gov