NC House of Representatives Needs Some Training

According to today's News and Observer, NC House Minority Leader Paul Stam wants to double a proposed increase in the filing fee for a divorce in NC. Why? Because he doesn't want to increase the filing fee for a marriage license. The money is supposed to generate $900,000 for domestic violence programs in NC.

He's quoted as saying, "At least there's some connection between divorce and conflict, although not necessarily violence," he said. Wow. Where does an advocate begin?

Connections
There is a connection between abusers and marriage. I have heard many battered women tell me of abusers beginning physical abuse or escalating to physical violence the day of or the day after their wedding.

For battered women, there is a connection between divorce and violence because there was a connection between their marriage and violence. That's part of why they are seeking a divorce. And leaving can be the most dangerous time for a battered woman. I also have to wonder who is paying that divorce filing fee? Is this punishment to battered/formerly battered women for leaving? She is finally getting away from an abuser and now she is probably the one paying the filing fee - that's now $20 higher.

The N and O further stated, NC "Rep. Mickey Michaux, a Durham Democrat, later joked about the change. 'The Finance Committee decided they would make it more costly to get out than get in,' he said." Except who is laughing? The "cost" of domestic violence to battered women and children - and all of us in society for that matter, is higher than a $75.00 filing fee for a divorce.

Outside the Box
How about if they made abusers pay an "insult to marriage" fee when filing for divorce and charge them double?

Find the full story here: http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/politicians/legislature/story/1095656.html