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Editor:
I am writing on behalf of the Same-Sex Domestic Violence subcommittee of the Chittenden County Domestic Violence Task Force. We want to respond to several pieces of inaccurate information related to victim services in "Finding a Way Out: Part II of a Guide for Victims of Domestic Violence."
First, Ms. Miller states that the Same-Sex Domestic Violence subcommittee has a list of recommended therapists. While we can provide a limited referral list, we do not recommend one therapist over another. Individuals can also contact Women Helping Battered Women for this list of referrals.
Second, Ms. Miller states that the Vermont Center for Victim Crime Services provides counseling. While the center does provide some compensation, up to $50 per session, for counseling, they do not provide counseling services. As Ms. Miller states, eligibility for compensation requires that the victim contact the police and that the police find probable cause.
Our final point is about the Abuse Prevention Act. We want to clarify that this Act does apply to casually dating couples who are under 18 years old, and to encourage anyone who feels that they need a Relief from Abuse Order to contact their local domestic violence shelter at 800-228-7395, your county courts, or the 24-hour hotline for obtaining Relief from Abuse Orders at 800-540-9990.
Kim Selig
Chittenden County Domestic Violence Task Force
Burlington, VT
