DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SEXUAL ASSAULT SERVICES TRANSFERRING TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE

Effective July 1, 2005, responsibility for the department’s domestic violence and sexual assault program will be transferred to the Attorney General’s Office. Upon transfer, the department’s authority over any aspect of this program will cease. Please be assured that our commitment to domestic abuse and sexual assault victims, regarding services and support for mental health and substance abuse needs, will continue.

This transfer is at the direction of the 2005 Oklahoma State Legislature.

Domestic violence and sexual assault are violent acts that devastate victims and their families, and destroy the social structure of our communities. These senseless crimes must stop.

The department is supportive of the statewide network of services that provide safety and shelter to victims, and offer services to assist in rebuilding lives. We are advocates of programs that seek to stop patterns of abuse by targeting the abuser, and ongoing efforts to increase public awareness as to community impact. We are also keenly aware of the economic burden that domestic violence and sexual assault place on the state’s healthcare system. To that end, our programs will continue appropriate support.

We will provide appropriate support and recommendations to assist with a seamless transfer of authority, as requested by the Attorney General. Our staffs have worked diligently to ready for these changes. We do not anticipate any interruption in services as a result.