By Joan Crigger
June 28, 2010

The U.S. Conference of Mayors Women Mayors- Caucus met June 11 during the Annual Conference of Mayors in Oklahoma City. Chaired by Hallandale Beach (FL) Mayor Joy Cooper, the highlight of the meeting was the address by Judge Susan B. Carbon, Director of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Office on Violence Against Women (OVW).

One of the first issues raised by Cooper was the election of women to the Advisory Board. She reminded those present that one of the primary goals of the Women Mayors- Caucus was to increase the number of women mayors in the leadership of the Conference of Mayors.

Following mayoral introductions, Cooper introduced Carbon who, as Director, serves as the liaison between the Department and federal, state, tribal and international governments on crimes of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking. In this role, she is responsible for developing the Department's legal and policy positions regarding the implementation of VAWA.

Carbon opened her remarks by commending Cooper on her choice of domestic violence as the primary focus of her chairmanship. Carbon indicated that it was her first time to address mayors and said she recognized the challenge mayors face, especially in today's economy.

Stating that OVW is a separate component within the Department of Justice, the Judge discussed how the VAWA legislation was passed in 1994,led by Vice President Joseph Biden, then Senator from Delaware, and Utah Senator Orrin Hatch as part of a bipartisan coalition.

Carbon then talked about the reauthorization of VAWA next year and said that the legislation needs to be updated to reflect current technology and new issues that were not a part of the original bill such as elder abuse and dating violence, particularly among young teens. "Your leadership is critical," said Carbon and encouraged the mayors to be the voice of their constituents. "Domestic violence is not just a family matter," as it was originally thought to be, but "the single biggest societal issue that impacts all of us." She went on to say that mayors have the ability to convene people and the opportunity to make an impact in reducing domestic violence in their cities. She indicated that her office can help mayors engage their community and added that her office provides financial assistance to states, local governments and non-profits through grant programs that encourage innovation.

Carbon then shared how her office had created "The List," which has engaged over 150 actors, singers, writers, sports and other celebrities to draw public attention to domestic violence. She mentioned that both Joe Torre and Melissa Hargitay were very active members of The List.

One thing that is working as part of her office's focus on prevention is the National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline staffed only by teens because teens often do not listen to those outside their own age group.

Carbon ended her remarks asking the women mayors to talk to their congressional representatives and encourage them to reauthorize VAWA next year.

Cooper thanked Carbon and gave her a copy of the Survey on Domestic Violence that was released last January at the Winter Meeting. The report, "City Responses to Domestic Violence," showed an average one percent decrease in domestic violence calls to local police departments.

Following remarks by Shirley Harrington-Watson, Program Manager from the Secretary's Office of Communications at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one of the sponsors of the women mayors- meeting, the session adjourned.