Hawaii House Bill HCR122

Hawaii 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/11/22
• Refer: 3/14/22
• Report Pass: 3/31/22
• Refer: 3/31/22
• Report Pass: 4/7/22
• Engrossed: 4/7/22
• Refer: 4/12/22

Caption

Urging The State Commission On The Status Of Women To Work With The Domestic Violence Action Center, The Filipino Chamber Of Commerce Of Hawaii, And Other Chambers Of Commerce In Hawaii, As Appropriate, To Develop And Implement An Outreach Program Aimed At Informing Domestic Violence Victims Of Available Resources For Assistance.

Impact

The resolution seeks to enhance support for domestic violence victims, particularly from at-risk communities, such as the significant Filipino population in Hawaii, which experiences higher rates of domestic violence. The initiative aims to place informational materials in discreet locations, thereby increasing accessibility and awareness of resources available to those affected. This would mark a notable step towards improving community engagement and the visibility of assistance programs.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 122 urges the State Commission on the Status of Women to collaborate with the Domestic Violence Action Center and other chambers of commerce in Hawaii to develop and implement an outreach program aimed at informing domestic violence victims about available resources for assistance. The resolution emphasizes the need for outreach given the alarming statistics of domestic violence in Hawaii, where significant proportions of both women and men report experiencing abuse from partners. It highlights the increased risk of domestic violence during economic downturns, particularly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which shows a worrying trend that demands immediate action.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR122 appears to be largely supportive, with various stakeholders recognizing the importance of increased awareness and resources for domestic violence victims. Advocates appreciate the focus on culturally-sensitive approaches and the involvement of local organizations in reaching out to affected communities. There might be concern regarding the effectiveness of such outreach efforts, particularly in ensuring that materials are not only widely distributed but also effectively reach those in need.

Contention

While the resolution promotes collaboration and outreach, potential points of contention may arise regarding funding and the implementation of the proposed outreach program. There may be challenges in ensuring that the initiative is sustainable and adequately staffed to meet the needs of various communities, specifically when it comes to creating culturally relevant resources. Critics may call for clearer metrics to assess the outreach program's effectiveness and ensure that it systematically addresses the unique demographics of domestic violence victims in Hawaii.