DAN HYNES RESPONDS TO CHICAGO NOW’S REQUEST OF U.S. SENATE CANDIDATES TO STATE POSITION ON DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Chicago, IL – Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes responded today to the Chicago chapter of the National Organization of Women’s request made of the candidates in the U.S. Senate race to state their position on domestic violence issues.

“No where in society should domestic violence be tolerated and my commitment to ending domestic violence is not just words on paper, I have a record,” said Hynes.  “As Illinois Comptroller, I instituted a domestic violence policy in my office to protect victims and stop abusers from perpetrating this violence and harassment.  In the U.S. Senate, I will continue my fight for women, to protect them and their rights.”

The policy Hynes initiated in October 2000, called “Domestic Violence and the Workplace,” outlines strong guidelines to protect victims of abuse in the workplace, verbal or physical, as well as crack down on abusers who use state property to perpetrate the violence.   The policy outlined various services that the Office of the Comptroller would provide to victims of domestic violence including confidential means for seeking help, resource and referral information, work schedule adjustments and leave as needed to obtain assistance, and workplace relocations as feasible. 

“Unfortunately for the women of this country, President Bush has belittled the importance of fighting against domestic abuse, eliminating over $56 million in his 2005 budget for services and housing for victims of domestic violence, including rape prevention programs and programs included in the Violence Against Women Act,” added Hynes.  “We need a trusted leader in Washington to take on President Bush and others in Congress who do not take domestic violence seriously and do not find it a high priority.  The women of Illinois can trust me to always be an advocate for their interests and as Illinois’ next U.S. Senator, I will fight to fully fund the Violence Against Women Act and other programs that will put an end to domestic violence.”

###