People at the U.N. think the U.S. can do a better job protecting women against domestic violence, and a Colorado case was used as an example.
According to Channel 6 News, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences says the U.S. government needs to come up with a new way to properly punish offenders and protect victims from domestic violence.
A regional body reportedly found the system wanting in protecting a Colorado woman battered by her husband, as well as her children. The woman, who had gotten a restraining order against her ex through Colorado courts, had contacted police, but it was later determined that their response was fragmented and did not properly respect the terms of her restraining order against her ex-husband.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights also apparently concluded the state did not adequately investigate the woman’s complaints. The U.N. called on the U.S. to investigate “systemic failures.” They say there is not adequate legislation for victims of domestic violence in this country.
While the U.S. did adopt the Violence Against Women Act to address concerns of domestic violence against women, some say there needs to be more than that, such as legally binding federal provisions that would truly protect victims.
U.N. human rights experts say the U.S. needs to establish meaningful standards for enforcing protection orders. That means more streamlined punishments for those who violate orders. They hope a more stable system will lead to less violence.
Source: Channel 6 News, “UN calls on the U.S. government to better protect women from domestic violence,” Aug. 24, 2011