[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 20, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E976]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  INTRODUCTION OF THE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE VOLUNTEER ATTORNEY NETWORK ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR.

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 20, 2008

  Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the ``Domestic 
Violence Volunteer Attorney Network Act,'' legislation that addresses 
the need to increase legal services for victims of domestic violence by 
creating a coordinated, nationwide system of attorney referrals to 
assist domestic violence victims. I am joined in this effort by 
Representative Poe.
  Domestic violence continues to be a problem in our country. Nearly 
one in four women will be a victim of domestic violence in her 
lifetime, and between three and ten million children witness acts of 
domestic violence each year. Domestic violence is not just physical but 
affects every aspect of a woman's life, including her mental and 
emotional well-being.
  In 2005, Congress reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, 
continuing programs such as STOP and Legal Assistance for Victims, as 
well as adding new programs that focus on prevention and services for 
youth and children.
  But there is still a huge gap in services and resources for victims 
who need help navigating the legal system. Obtaining effective 
protection orders, initiating divorce proceedings or designing safe 
child custody arrangements are all key components to stopping the 
violence, because these are often the first real steps that battered 
women can take to leave an abusive home.
  The problem is not that the resources do not exist; in fact, many 
lawyers want to volunteer their time to provide legal assistance to 
victims of domestic violence. The problem is in bridging the gap 
between these willing and able advocates and the victims seeking access 
to the justice system.
  Our bill, the Domestic Violence Volunteer Attorney Network Act, has 
several components:
  Creates an electronic network of volunteer attorneys. The network 
will be managed by the American Bar Association Commission on Domestic 
Violence, which will solicit and mentor the lawyers and conduct 
training and provide other technical assistance.
  Authorizes new funds to the National Domestic Violence Hotline to 
update the system and train advocates on how to provide referrals for 
voluntary attorneys.
  Creates a pilot program to implement the volunteer attorney network 
in five states. The program will be administered by the Office of 
Violence Against Women in DOJ. After these five years, if successful, 
the program will be rolled out nationally.
  Establishes a Domestic Violence Legal Advisory Task Force, which will 
monitor the program and make recommendations.
  Mandates a study by the National Institute of Justice to assess the 
scope and quality of legal services available to battered women in each 
state. The GAO will report to Congress within one year.
  The legislation is supported by a broad range of interests and 
experts, including the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the 
Legal Resource Center for Violence Against Women, the National 
Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Council of Juvenile 
and Family Court Judges, the ABA, National Legal Aid and Defenders 
Association, the National Association for Attorneys General, and the 
National Center for the Victims of Crime.
  This legislation is an important next step in our fight to defeat 
domestic violence and assist victims. A companion bill has been 
introduced in the Senate by Senators Biden and Specter. I am hopeful 
that Congress can move quickly to enact this worthwhile and timely 
legislation.

                          ____________________