Vote for women’s safety, protection Nov. 6

In 2016, HB 5054, An Act Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence, was brought forward. The bill had bipartisan support, passing in the House 104-42, and the Senate 23-13, and ultimately was signed into law. I write today because the incumbent state representative for Cromwell and Portland, Christie Carpino, voted against the bill.

As a licensed mental health professional specializing in trauma, I have had the honor of working with many individuals who have survived interpersonal violence at the hands of those they love. While men can fall victim, the majority are women. One thing that so many of these women have in common is their desire to regain a sense of safety.

For many of us, home is a place that provides this. But in cases of domestic violence, home becomes a place of abuse ruled by fear, intimidation and physical and emotional turmoil. You may ask, why doesn’t she just leave? The answer is complicated, however, please remember, the time a woman chooses to leave is the most dangerous: It places her at the most risk for increased violence and possibly death. When a firearm is present, this risk increases. Her abuser has used this threat as a means to get her to stay.

Legislation does not solve the issue of domestic violence. It does help survivors who choose to come forward feel heard. It helps individuals to regain a sense of safety and find the strength to heal. This legislation in particular, was aimed at helping women do that at a time when they are most vulnerable. When I cast my vote this Nov. 6, I will support a candidate who understands the needs of the community, and who will speak for others when they can’t find their voice. Shelly Nolan, Portland