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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsHard Evidence on Why Domestic Violence Victims May Think Twice About Calling 911
http://readersupportednews.org/news-section2/318-66/30714-hard-evidence-on-why-domestic-violence-victims-may-think-twice-about-calling-911hen a man in Binghamton, New York was restrained, stabbed, and robbed in his home, his neighbor called 911. Although he told the police that he did not know the attackers or why he was targeted, the city designated this episode of random violence as a "nuisance" under local law. Officials later informed the man's landlord of this incident and others that led to the police being called to the property. In response, the landlord assured the city that every tenant in that building would be evicted to address this issue.
Alarmingly, this kind of story is not uncommon. Nuisance ordinances also called crime free or disorderly house laws are on the books in towns and cities across the country. In Binghamton, the city defines many crimes as public nuisances, such as assault, disorderly conduct, and sex offenses. All too often, when these crimes occur, the resident is the victim. Once the nuisance law is triggered, the property owner is told to address the issue or face penalties that include an order from the city closing the building. The majority of landlords respond to such warnings by removing the tenants who were the subject of a police call.
A new report issued by the ACLU, in partnership with the Social Science Research Council, reveals the devastating consequences of nuisance ordinances for victims of crime in New York and domestic violence survivors in particular.
Silenced: How Nuisance Ordinances Punish Crime Victims in New York uncovers how victims of domestic abuse are too often further victimized by nuisance laws. The report focuses on an analysis of records from both Binghamton and Fulton, NY. Though the cities structured their ordinances differently, domestic violence was the single largest category of activity that led to enforcement of both laws. Domestic violence accounted for 38% of nuisance "points" in Binghamton and 48% of incidents in Fulton's nuisance warnings. Both cities also routinely penalized tenants who reported other crimes committed against them, including incidents of rape, theft, and assault, or sought medical assistance.
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)Something needs to be changed. *One* strike and you're out? And it's not even your fault??
Kalidurga
(14,177 posts)I almost understand why, but it's still wrong. I wouldn't want to rent to someone who has a former partner that might show up and injure or kill a tenant, not the one who is the target or someone who was also in the right place at the wrong time. Yeah, that's a clunky way of expressing what I mean, but someone who wasn't known to the aggressor prior to a violent act. But, I think the solution is long term public housing in a secured setting for aggressive and violent people.
SusanCalvin
(6,592 posts)I see the point of view of the landlord (a bit difficult for me, as I'm not and never will be one), now that you point it out, but people gotta be *somewhere*....!
That's why I think the somewhere should be jail for the person who is making the victim make the phone call to the police. I think it's a win-win the landlord doesn't have to worry as much about violence and the victim doesn't have to become further victimized by violence the victim will of course be dealing with the aftermath of the threat, better than brutalized though I guess.
Ilsa
(61,698 posts)when only one of them bullies the others. You know, just to make sure they get the right one.