Domestic abusers are now attacking the organizations designed to protect survivors, participants in a free seminar on domestic violence said yesterday.
The Shelter Available for Emergencies House (SAFE House) sponsored "The Empire Strikes Back" seminar as part of an ongoing series on domestic violence. Attendees discussed a backlash against movements for women's safety, and ways survivors are victimized and punished for attempting to leave abusive relationships.
"In the past few years, there have been increasing efforts made in combatting domestic violence," said Susan McGee, SAFE House executive director.
McGee said that strides in preventing domestic violence have caused backlash from batterers, lawmakers and the judicial system in Washtenaw County. The backlash is a well-financed, organized attack against domestic violence organizations, she said.
"I think backlash is inevitable for any social movement. People in power are being challenged and they don't like it," said Debbie Levenstein, clinical supervisor for SAFE House.
Speakers claimed organizations that support survivors of domestic violence are now accused of being unprofessional, inaccurate and a waste of taxpayers' dollars.
"They actually say that feminists control the police," McGee said about attackers who say domestic violence is exaggerated.
Attendees also addressed the issue of lawsuits that attackers file against the organizations, taking time and money away from the shelters.
"It's very easy to be stuck in a defensive posture and it's hard to be proactively moving forward," said Debi Cain, director of the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention Board. "Responding to the attacks are very time consuming."
Washtenaw County Prosecutor Brian Mackie discussed his experience in dealing with domestic violence from a legal aspect.
"Maybe people aren't aware how extensive the backlash is," Mackie said. "To a lot of people, domestic violence is yesterday's news."
Mackie said Michigan legislation makes it difficult to deal with perpetrators of domestic violence. When batterers appear before legislators, they don't ask for proof, they just listen to stories, he said.
Mackie said he also encounters opposition from ministers, who call him on behalf of accused offenders and want families to stay together under any condition.
Those who attended the seminar said the event was a success.
"It's good to have an opportunity to talk in a supportive environment about the backlash and negative effects that women of domestic violence are experiencing," said SAFE House legal advocate Rachelle Smith.
Smith said denial of domestic violence is absurd.
"If you are concerned about domestic violence being illegitimate, do your own research," Smith said. "There are plenty of statistics out there."
Other attendees also encouraged women and men to research the issue before developing opinions.
"People need to have their own information before they make a faulty assumption," said Stephanie Walkup, a SAFE House counselor.
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