Senate Judiciary Hearing – Accessing Support: How the Violence Against Women Act Serves Hawaii Military Families Experiencing Domestic Violence

HONOLULU - With the goal of strengthening the connections between civilian and military domestic violence service providers, Senator Mazie K. Hirono today chaired a Senate Judiciary Committee field hearing at the Hawaii State Capitol. Joined by Senator Brian Schatz and Congresswoman Colleen Hanabusa, the Hawaii Congressional delegation heard from military representatives, government leaders and service providers regarding military families affected by domestic violence.

Senator Hirono presides over Senate Judiciary Committee
field hearing at Hawaii State Capitol Building

During the hearing Hirono emphasized the need for coordination between the Department of Defense, State of Hawaii and service providers on ensuring the best service possible with existing resources. Hirono noted that members of the military are part of Hawaii’s community and explained that domestic violence is a community wide problem that defies easy solutions and requires a community wide response. 

U.S. Army Colonel Derrick Anincorayan and Cindy Morita

In  joint testimony, U.S. Army Colonel Derrick Arincorayan and Cindy Morita, of the U.S. Army Hawaii’s Family Advocacy Program, noted the availability of “restricted reporting,” which preserves the confidentiality of military-connected women and men experiencing domestic violence.  

They also highlighted the military’s continued collaboration between the service branches as well as formal agreements made with state agencies that focus on child safety and welfare.

Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director Marci Lopes and Domestic Violence Action Center CEO Nanci Kreidman testify

Nanci Kreidman, CEO of the Domestic Violence Action Center testified that in a two-week span last month, her organization assisted as many as 40 military-connected victims of domestic violence. That number of cases represented 14 percent of all of Domestic Violence Action Center’s casework at the time. Kreidman noted that cases involving military-connected women and men has grown to as much as 20 percent of her organization’s caseload in the past.

Marci Lopes, executive director of the Hawaii State Coalition Against Domestic Violence also stated the growing need for services for military connected families.

Ms. Lopes provided example of the broader programs currently working with military victims, including emergency shelters, family visiting centers, and a “Flight to Freedom” program that helps reunite victims with their families out of state.

Hawaii State Attorney General David Louie
addresses the congressional panel

Hawaii State Attorney General David Louie also emphasized the ongoing collective effort testifying that in an era of shrinking governmental resources, it is important that criminal justice agencies and victim service providers work together in a collaborative and coordinated manner. Mr. Louie expressed optimism that all of Hawaii’s agencies will continue to systematically work together to address these issues. 

The hearing coincides with “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” and the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA).