Public policy is a critical part of comprehensive and effective victim advocacy. Through public policy efforts, advocates can work to change sexual assault laws and policies to better serve victims and hold perpetrators accountable for their crime. Through its public policy program, VSDVAA offers advocates an opportunity to get involved in changing the way Virginia responds to sexual assault.
The Action Alliance monitors the development and implementation of state and federal laws that affect victims of sexual and domestic violence, non-profits, and sexual and domestic violence programs. We work closely with victim advocates to ensure that our public policy work meets the needs of survivors and programs across Virginia. We also work collaboratively with state agencies including the Department of Criminal Justice Services, Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Department of Housing and Community Development, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State Crime Commission and others.
Action Alliance staff and membership attend public hearings, provide comments on proposed legislation, assist state agencies in policy development, serve on grant review committees, partner with state-level agencies on grants, assist in statewide training and resource development and provide expertise on the issues of sexual and domestic violence. We provide public policy information to sexual and domestic violence victim advocates and allies in the movement. The Action Alliance holds an annual Legislative Advocacy Training Day and Lobby Day in order to inform members and elected representatives about legislation related to sexual and domestic violence.
2012 Preliminary Legislative Agenda (Word Document)
Membership Meeting & Legislative BriefingRegister Online
January 24, 2012 1pm-4pm
Action Alliance Office: 5008 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA
In the next two weeks, legislators head to Richmond. The General Assembly will be considering legislation on strangulation, campus sexual assault investigations, immigration, and firearms--to name a few. They will also be making decisions on the 2012-2014 budget. Legislators need to hear from us so that their vote on issues impacting victims of sexual and domestic violence can be helpful, not harmful.
2012 also marks the year that the Action Alliance launches the first initiative of the Building Healthy Futures Fund, a new fund to support efforts to prevent sexual and domestic violence. The Action Alliance will be asking the General Assembly to support a "Peace Begins at Home" special interest license plate.
Please join us for our annual membership meeting for a legislative briefing on these issues and talking points to help you prepare for visits legislators and Legislative Advocacy Day. Everyone attending the briefing will receive legislative briefing materials and information to leave with legislators on the Action Alliance's priorities and positions.
Legislative Advocacy Day Register Online
January 25, 2012 9am
General Assembly Building, Room 7 West
Richmond, VA
In 2011, you stood up for equal access and equal protections for all victims of sexual and domestic violence; leading the way to sweeping changes in Virginia's protective orders laws. When state funding for safety and crisis services were threatened, you stood up to protect this critical funding.
Your voice makes a difference--please join us in 2012 for the Action Alliance's Legislative Advocacy Day.
This year we will meet at the General Assembly Building in Room 7 West. This room has been reserved by the Action Alliance from 9:30-11:30am. We will also be hosting a breakfast reception for legislators during this time. Please invite your legislators to attend.
Public Policy Priorities
Legislative Advocacy Resources
Links to Other Policy Organizations
Who is my legislator? (Click to link)
The Action Alliance's Public Policy Committee is an excellent way to get involved in the public policy process. If you are interested in becoming involved, please contact Kristine Hall or Gena Boyle at 804.377.0335. E-mail is not a secure form of communication. To ensure confidentiality please call the Family Violence & Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.838.8238 (V/TTY).
