Letters to the Editor
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domestic violence and deportation
this is a really, really bad idea. a) violent criminals should be reported and dealt with, whether they are us citizens or not, and whether or not their current crime is against a us citizen, and regardless of whether the assault is committed by a stranger or a partner
b) it's a REALLY bad idea to tell rapists it's okay to target illegals because they won't report the crime, and many rapists/serial murderers DO target specicific populations for that reason--prostitutes, runaways, etc.
c) it will discourage victims from seeking medical aid in the case of rape or serious assault, because doctors have to report the attacks, leading to complications from injuries (including death), and unwanted pregnancies--do we really want to stand up and say, hey, if you sneak across the border to get a job, you're ASKING to be brutally beaten or raped and you deserve it? cause that's the message this amendment sends....i don't give a damn about your history of shoplifting or prostitution or illegally crossing the border if your honest testimony will help put a rapist in jail. it's hard enough for victims of violent crimes to navigate the system and find the courage to testify as it is.
and for male victims of domestic violence, who may already face considerable cultural barriers to reporting incidents...damn.