Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission Established

Dec. 5, 2022

Legislation supported by Mayor Tim Keller and City Councilors Trudy Jones, Tammy Fiebelkorn, Renee Grout, and Klarissa Peña, and the Domestic Violence Task Force to establish a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission passed tonight on a unanimous vote.

While City and community leaders have been working to establish the commission for some time, tonight’s vote comes soon after a Thanksgiving holiday marked by a spike in tragic domestic violence incidents, underscoring the urgency of the effort. The creation of a permanent commission was a central recommendation of the Albuquerque Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force created by Mayor Keller in 2019.

“I commend the Mayor and City Council for creating a Commission to assist in addressing the high incidence of domestic violence and sexual assault in our City,” said Claudia Medina, Member of the Mayor’s Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Task Force. “I have high hopes that this new entity will provide a space for representatives from different agencies, institutions and people with lived experience to coordinate efforts to eradicate these problems in our communities.”

The commission will be a combination of people with lived experience, advocates, service providers, and relevant government agencies. Together, the group will work to decrease the rate of domestic violence occurring in our community and ensure an effective system of prevention and intervention that serves survivors and those who are at risk.

“Our community needs a permanent commission working to create a system that helps folks escape situations of domestic violence and that can support survivors in our community,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “We have to work together to make sure our city has the services and programs to support some of our most vulnerable populations.”

 “We need to do everything in our power to stop domestic violence. This commission will enable the development of long-term plans to reduce violence, improve services for victims, and make sure that everyone in our community feels safe in their own home,” said Councilor Tammy Fiebelkorn.

“Domestic violence is real and it touches every part of our society, unfortunately. It is my hope that this commission will bring awareness to the issue and stop the cruelty. No one should live in fear from a partner or a family member,” said Councilor Renee Grout.

“It’s important that we work with survivors, advocates, and other agencies to improve prevention and intervention efforts around domestic violence and sexual assault and to better serve those impacted by it.  This commission provides a framework for that collaboration,” said Councilor Trudy Jones.

“Formalizing this commission is an important step to prioritize the protection and safety of our families and communities,” said Councilor Klarissa Peña. “We thank the future commission members for their service and we look forward to working with them to turn their recommendations into action.”

“We are excited to have a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission in Albuquerque to help provide a strong voice, and lift up services for, survivors of domestic and sexual violence, one of our most vulnerable populations,” said State Representative Pamelya Herndon.

View the legislation, with more details about the commission.