Aligned Against Violence
January 28, 2013
From Maxwell Perspective...
Aligned Against Violence
A tragedy in Ashlee Newman’s family created a new legislative advocate.
In a press conference at the New Jersey State House, sophomore Ashlee Newman (center) discusses the benefits of “Heather’s Law” with state senators who sponsored it
Sophomore Ashlee Newman is more than a student. She's an activist. She promotes the adoption of New Jersey Senate Bill 331, which would require electronic monitoring of convicted perpetrators of domestic violence.
Her advocacy comes in direct response to Newman's own brush with domestic violence. Roughly a year ago, her cousin, Heather — after having not one, but two restraining orders denied — was murdered by an abusive husband.
Newman and her family resolved to make life safer for other domestic violence victims. First, as an independent project at Maxwell, Newman documented the timeline leading up to Heather's death, with the intention of making officials more aware of holes in the legal system. The project led to contacts with legislators' offices, while also educating Newman in the nuances of life as a victim of domestic violence. Soon Newman was appearing at press conferences with politicians and advocates who worked to promote a new law, eventually named Heather's Law.
The legislative work has led to opportunities for this political science and policy studies major and Chancellor's Scholar. This past summer, Newman attended the conference of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence; her attendance was subsidized by SU's Renee Crown University Honors Program. While there, she received the Blue Bra award for her part in promoting this legislation. "I now have a deep understanding of domestic law," said Newman, "as well as a deep respect for our lawmakers. . . . They make it look stress-free, when in reality it is not."
She continues working to get Heather's Law passed, recently conducting a grassroots letter-writing campaign by SU students who are New Jersey residents. After Heather's Law passes, Newman plans to draft another — possibly a 48-hour law, mandating that police check in with domestic violence victims following a dispute. "Other states have this, and it is something we don't have in New Jersey," Newman says. "But my first priority is to get [Heather's Law] passed. Then I will move on-just take one step at a time."
— Linda Linn