Editorial on violence falls short
Don’t lay the blame at feet of domestic violence programs
The Albuquerque Journal’s Editorial Board recently commented on the problem of domestic violence in New Mexico, based on a recent report issued by the Legislative Finance Committee of the New Mexico Legislature. I would like to respond, correct and clarify.
Editors suggested that the response to domestic violence in New Mexico is fragmented; that is accurate. However, the LFC report did not lay blame for that lack of coordination on domestic violence programs. As in other states, addressing domestic violence effectively requires the entire criminal justice system and other relevant groups to be well funded, well coordinated and educated about the issue.
There are more than 29 domestic violence victim services programs across the state, which share in the general revenue funds appropriated by the Legislature. Some federal funds supplement state funds.
There are 17 funded programs that work with domestic violence offenders, and that funding comes primarily from the imposition of fines; less than $500,000 of general revenue funds supports those 17 offender service programs annually.
There is clear evidence of the effectiveness of domestic violence services to victims and children. Highly regarded academic research, which included New Mexico, shows clearly that the work performed by domestic violence programs leads to reduced violence against victims and their children. Programs promote self-efficacy, safety, stability and hope, among other things, all of which lead directly to positive outcomes that are actually quite clear.
We agree that a broad, concerted effort is needed to address New Mexico’s domestic violence problem. But victim services, and programs that help offenders to change, do not operate in a vacuum.
Ending violence requires a coordinated criminal justice system response. Other factors that reduce violence include an informed community that is intolerant of violence, prevention and adequate services to help victims and their children be safe and recover. It is past time for New Mexico to address the scourge of domestic violence in a systematic way and we stand ready to participate fully in that process.