September 10, 2010

 

Taylor Named Legislative Champion In
Fight Against Domestic Violence

Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence Recognizes Senator’s Leadership

(MADISON)  Senator Lena C. Taylor (D-Milwaukee) was named a “Legislative Champion” by the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WCADV) in recognition of her leadership on domestic violence issues in the past legislative session.  Taylor was the author of 27 bills supported by WCADV, including significant measures to reform restraining order procedures and to combat domestic violence homicides.

“I am humbled and thankful for this recognition from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence,” Taylor noted.  “This past session I worked hard to advance bills, my own and those in my committee, that sought to prevent domestic violence, beat back the rising homicide rate, and slow victimization of the abused.  There were many successes, including the enactment of the Wisconsin Restraining Order Improvement Act and the Rape Shield Laws, but there remains much more to do.”

Taylor principally authored major pieces of domestic violence related legislation, including:

Wisconsin Restraining Order Improvement Act (ACT 262)

• Rape Shield Law (ACT 138)
• Healthy Youth Act (ACT 134)
• Rules of Evidence in Custody Studies (ACT 187)
• Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Act (SB 380 & AB 558)
• Domestic Violence Firearm Surrender Act (SB 381 & AB 559)
• Gender Hate Crime Law (SB 344 & AB 481)
• Wisconsin Democracy Restoration Act (SB 240 & AB 353)

In addition, Sen. Taylor, who chairs the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, pushed through two key initiatives on domestic violence supported by

WCADV – The Lock Out Abusers Act (ACT 117) and The Victim Fair Housing Act (ACT 95).

“As we prepare for the next legislative session, I look forward to working with WCADV, legislative leadership, and other groups to find the common ground we need to pass the laws that will help end domestic violence,” Taylor concluded.  “But this is not just a problem with a legislative solution.  Each of us, in our daily lives must work to stop and report domestic abuse and violence where it exists.”

Taylor was presented the award at the 5th annual luncheon event entitled “Together We Can End Domestic Violence”.  WCADV Executive Director Patti Seeger presented the award.