St. Louis Traffic

Mini Poll: Domestic Violence, VAWA

The nature and extent of domestic violence are debated subjects; its existence is not. Police officers, counselors, physicians, advocates, and prosecutors can all testify that it is a significant public safety, public health, and human rights issue.

Two recent events in the news inspired this week’s Mini-Poll on the subject on domestic violence. First, the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994 is up for reauthorization this month -- and the subject is being hotly debated in the United States Senate, particularly regarding provisions that would expand its protections to include members of the immigrant, LGBT, and Native American communities. Second, a candidate for the Republican nomination to represent Missouri in the Senate was seemingly stumped this week by a voter’s question about her position on VAWA. According to the Springfield News-Leader, the candidate said that she didn’t have a position on the VAWA, and was “not sure” what the law was about. That “oops moment” drew the quick attention of political writers, partisans, opponents – and a speedy clarification from her campaign communications staff that the would-be Senator, in fact, supports a version of the bill.

As you understand it, which of the following categories best describes domestic violence?

Abuse among family members
Abuse in general
Abuse between two people who are not necessarily family members

In your opinion, which of the following statistics most accurately describes the number of adult women living in the United States who will experience domestic violence at least once in her lifetime?

One out of every 25 women
One out of every 20 women
One out of every 10 women
One out of every 4 women
One out of every 2 women

How strongly do you agree with the following statements (Use 5 to mean you “strongly agree” and 1 to mean you “strongly disagree)?

	1	2	3	4	5
Domestic violence is a widespread problem in America
Domestic violence is a greater problem in St. Louis than in other regions
Lack of money/income is a common challenge for survivors of domestic violence
Domestic violence affects all people regardless of background
Domestic violence has a lasting impact

Please rank on a scale of 1 to 5 the problems a victim of domestic violence may face after they have left an abusive situation. (Use 1 to mean it is the “most difficult” problem and 5 to mean it is the “least difficult” problem.

	1	2	3	4	5
Finding a place to live
Finding money/income to support the victim and/or children
Fear that abuser will find the victim
Being taken seriously by the police/judge
Dealing with the opinions of friends and family

Yes or no. “I personally know people who are (have been) victims of domestic violence.”

Yes
No

Have you ever heard of the Federal Violence Against Women Act?

Yes
No

Would you be more inclined or less inclined to vote for a candidate for the United States Senate who did not have a position on the reauthorization of the Federal Violence Against Women Act?

More inclined
Less inclined
It would make no difference to me

Are you:

Male
Female

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