KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 12

Jaynes, Bill (2014-05-05). KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 12 (PDF) (Report). Kolonia, Pohnpei: Kaselehlie Press.

• Has attachment: File:9QZTWXEG.pdf

Abstract: KPress Vol. 14 Iss. 12: NEWS: This issue reports that Kosrae has become the first FSM state to enact a comprehensive domestic violence law, following several years of legislative consideration shaped by the cultural sensitivity of the subject; proponents argue that domestic violence has long been an unaddressed but serious problem, and the law’s findings state plainly that domestic violence poses a significant threat to the citizens and residents of Kosrae, that both the frequency and severity of incidents have increased in recent years, and that protecting household members from domestic violence is consistent with Kosraean custom, tradition, and the public interest; the legislation establishes a framework that classifies certain domestic violence acts as misdemeanors and others as felony offenses, affirms the right of victims to request police assistance for their safety, and provides for strict confidentiality of court proceedings and outcomes even in cases resulting in conviction, a provision that may have helped the bill pass legislative scrutiny; the issue also notes regional implications, including comments from Marstella Jack of the Pohnpei Women’s Council, who observes that a domestic violence bill submitted to the Pohnpei State Legislature in 2008 has remained stalled in committee since that time.