Women's advocates rally against domestic violence

Advocates for women rallied at the state capital Tuesday to call on legislators to support policies that reduce domestic violence in Minnesota communities.

Suzanne Koepplinger with the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center talked about the social costs of domestic violence, and how demand for victims' services such as safe housing has gone up during the difficult economy.

"And at the same time we have seen about a 5-percent cut to all crime victims services in the state of Minnesota, Koepplinger said. "We are told this is a "resource problem." At the same time, we are also hearing that the state of Minnesota is considering ponying up about $400 million to fund a Vikings stadium. I don't think this is a "resource problem." I think this is a "priority problem."

Rep. Tim Kelly, R-Red Wing, who is sponsoring a bill on domestic abuse no-contact orders, told the crowd that violence prevention crosses political boundaries.