Out in the Mountains

Abuse Prevention iDiykes To Watch Out For

Act Amended

Carla

With the signing into law of S-131 in
April, lesbians and gay men are now le-
gally entitled to obtain Abuse Pre-
vention Orders. (The law takes effect
July 1).

Previously excluded from the definition

 

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By Alison Bechde

of “household members,” a few lesbians
were granted orders by some judges in
Vermont who interpreted the law more
liberally, but this was rare. Now, the def-
inition of “household members” is “per-
sons living together or sharing oc-
cupancy and persons who have lived
together in a sexual relationship.” Not
only does this mean that lesbians and
gay men may obtain restraining orders,
it also means they don’t necessarily have
to come out to do so.

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The law defines abuse as one or more of ,,,,D1,,E5E M M, .
the following acts between household ’
members:

- Attempting to cause or causing phys-
ical harm;

- Placing another in fear of imminent
physical harm;

- Abuse to children.

Persons seeking abuse prevention orders
are encouraged to contact their local do-
mestic violence program. Orders may
also be obtained on your own through
the Family Court, where clerks can as-
sist with filling out fortns. If anyone ex-
periences discrimination in using this
process, contact the Human Rights Com-
mission and/or the Vermont Network
Against Domestic Violence and Sexual
Assault. V

 

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PO Box 220 (802) 888-4I00 Office
Hyde Park. Vermont 05655-0220 (802) 888-2977 Home

VALERIE WHITE

Humanist Minister
American Humanist Association

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Call Nancy DesRoult, M.S.W., L.S.W. at 860-8424
or
Carol Cohen, M.S.W. at 864-5595 J

for information