Introduction
American Bar Association (ABA) is one of the legal organizations designed to serve LGBT survivors of violence from an intimate partner. One of their commissions dealing with sexual and domestic violence focuses its policies on training as well as on creating initiatives for advocates representing the victims of sexual and domestic violence. The LGBT community experiences higher stigma, marginalization, and stigmatization rates (HRC, 2016). Consequently, they often face victimization and bias when their issues are addressed. The ABA Commission, therefore, seeks to address and formulate some policies specific to their concerns. Providing a platform where these individuals can voice their needs will help them seek aid from rape crisis centers, hospitals, the police, and other shelters (The Joint Commission, 2011).
Purpose of the Organization
The American Bar Association’s section of sexual and domestic violence seeks to provide services and programs that promote the growth of the legal professionals in ensuring the quality of life for the victims (ABA, 2016). They ensure that all the members of the association representing any victim are well equipped to advocate for the legal rights and justice.
Mission and Vision Statements
The association’s mission statement is embedded in their vision, which is “NO HIGHER CALLING” (ABA, 2016). They provide nationwide advocacy to lawyers in both public sector and government seeking for justice, excellence, and fairness in duty. They also voice the roles of the lawyers in community service. In addition, they ensure that they lead in rededicating adherence to high professional standards in search of civility, fairness, diligence, and social justice.
Prevention Factors that are a Focus of the Organization
The organization focuses on the elimination of bias and also enhances diversity among the marginalized population in the American population. They promote equal and full participation of the members of the society regardless of their gender, sexual, and racial affiliation (ABA, 2016). The association also brings into cohesion all the members of the justice system and the legal profession in ensuring that they eliminate bias.
Specific Services Offered by the Organization
There are several services offered by the American Bar Association. The body promotes high-quality education in legal studies, promoting competence, professionalism, and ethical conduct in the handling of human rights issues. It also advocates for public and pro bono services by all the members of the legal profession (ABA, 2016).
Services Addressing Prevention
The association’s services in advocating for and advancing the rule of law addresses prevention of the violence in the society. The association holds the government responsible under the set law. It also assures all the members of the society of access to justice. Finally, they increase the public’s understanding of the legal processes, the respect for law, and the work of the legal profession in service to the community (ABA, 2016).
Services Indirectly Addressing Prevention
Preserving the independence of the legal systems in the country and promoting quality legal education indirectly addresses prevention of the injustices faced by the marginalized groups in the community (Rolling & Brossi, 2010). The organization could significantly improve by setting its standards higher in pursuit of justice. Sensitizing the community on corruption and intimidation would ensure that all cases of sexual and domestic violence among others, are addressed and all the criminals brought to justice. Reviewing their objectives from time to time would also help eliminate the already achieved goals.
Conclusion
Sexual and domestic violence among the LGBT population has developed into an epidemic that requires comprehensive addressing from more bodies such as ABA (Fredriksen-Golden, 2011). The commission develops a mindset in the society that once the individuals from LGBT disclose information on sexual assault and domestic violence, they should be believed, reassured, and convinced that it was not their fault. The need for confidentiality in handling the cases for the victims is one of the characteristics that ABA closely values. They handle the victims with professionalism and never pressure them to give information that they would not like to share. With the information from the objectives of the commission, it is now easier to challenge the society to come to the realization of the tragedies the LGBT community faces and address their concerns. It is also easier to advise the victims to take up action through legal channels.
References
American Bar Association (ABA). (2016). ABA Mission and Goals. American Bar Association. Retrieved from http://www.americanbar.org/about_the_aba/aba-mission-goals.html
Fredriksen-Golden, K. I. (2011). Resilience and Disparities among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Older Adults. National Academy on an Aging Society: Public Policy and Aging Report, 21(3), 3-7. Retrieved from http://www.lgbtagingcenter.org/resources/resource.cfm?r=418
Human Rights Campaign (HRC). (2016). Sexual Assault and the LGBT Community: Health and Aging. Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved from http://www.hrc.org/resources/sexual-assault-and-the-lgbt-community
Rolling, E. S., & Brosi, M. W. (2010). A Multi-Leveled and Integrated Approach ao Assessment and Intervention of Intimate Partner Violence. Journal of Family Violence, 25(3), 229-236.
The Joint Commission. (2011). Advancing Effective Communication, Cultural Competence, and Patient- and Family-Centered Care for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Community: A Field Guide. Oak Brook, IL: The Joint Commission. Retrieved from http://www.jointcommission.org/assets/1/18/LGBTFieldGuide.pdf
