A Word from Mark
Dear Friends of WTLC,
When a gun is present in a domestic violence situation, the risk of the victim being murdered rises by 500%.

Earlier this month, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), which includes a revision that closes the "boyfriend loophole" by extending existing gun restrictions to include current and former dating partners who have been convicted of domestic abuse.

Currently, people convicted of domestic abuse are only prohibited from owning guns if they live with the victim, have a child with them, or they are--or have once been--married to them. This new provision would extend the law to unmarried intimate partners, as well as those with stalking convictions.

Although we are pleased that the House voted to reauthorize VAWA with this new provision, there is concern that the Senate will not vote to authorize this version that is inclusive of unmarried intimate partners. The importance of understanding the real-life effects of legislation on victims is critical.

WTLC takes an active role in educating lawmakers and legislators on issues surrounding domestic and intimate partner violence. We will continue to support our state and national partners to urge the senate to pass the VAWA re-authorization with these key enhancements.

With Appreciation,

Mark
Jean Breaks Free
Jean didn't go to the police for help because her husband had threatened to call ICE and have her deported if she ever told anyone about his physical and emotional abuse. She stayed in this violent relationship for over six years while he fed her misinformation about what would happen if she ever left him.

He told her their children would be taken away from her because of her undocumented status. He said they would be put into foster care and she would be sent far away, never to see them again. He told her that he would go to jail and their children would be left all alone.

Afraid for her children's well-being, Jane stayed quiet and simply endured the abuse, until the situation became so bad that she couldn't stay any longer...
Advocating For Our Elders
By 2030, 1 out of every 5 Americans will be over the age of 65, and for the first time in United States history, there will be more 65-and-older residents than children, according to the AARP.

In Orange County, 1 out of every 38 people over the age of 65 have experienced abuse, and the incidence of abuse increases significantly with age. According to Adult Protective Services, people aged 85 and older are four times more likely to be victims of abuse compared to those aged 65 to 69.

In response to the projected rapid growth of the senior population, WTLC has established a new Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse program that seeks to promote healing and recovery from abuse for older and dependent adults, increasing access to services and diminishing barriers for this vulnerable population.
This month, survivors and their families celebrated spring in style at an Easter party thrown by volunteers from Prominent Escrow Services.
Guests had a great time eating hot dogs, hunting for Easter eggs, and taking pictures with the Easter Bunny!
Thank you, Prominent Escrow!
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