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Friends,
I hope you're enjoying your summer and that you have taken time to spend with family and friends.
Please take advantage of the many summer programs offered by our government. Information on day camps, food & nutrition programs, special events and more for youth and their families is available at http://summer.dc.gov/
Our pools and recreation centers are free to all DC residents and the Department of Parks and Recreation offers activities and programs for kids of all ages. To find one to suit your needs, visit http://dpr.dc.gov/
-Anita
 Legislative Report:
Councilmember Bonds works to combat sexual assault on the District's college campuses
A recent Washington Post study found that 20% of young women and 5% of young men experience a sexual assault in college, a persistent form of criminal behavior with lasting effects that are damaging to the victim and the perpetrator as well as society in general.
While this problem persists on college campuses, incidences are seldom in the public's eye, as victims attempt to meet society’s expectation to continue on as if the assault never occurred.
Since the District of Columbia is home to more than a dozen colleges and universities and over 85,000 students, it's time to address this issue. My office moved forward with this legislation following numerous discussions with advocates and a representative body of stakeholders.
The legislative provisions include:
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Institutions to provide the option of a sexual assault advocate being present when a school official commences an investigation;
- Title IX mandated sexual assault reporters to undergo annual in-person trauma related training;
- Incoming students to participate in a sexual assault prevention course;
- 1 on-campus sexual assault worker for every 2000 enrolled students;
- Notation on the academic transcripts of each student who has been suspended for, has been permanently dismissed for, or withdraws from the institution while under an investigation for a violation of the institution’s code for sexual misconduct; and
- Annual review of the compliance with this legislation as a requirement for maintaining the institution’s license.
 Councilmember Bonds introduces legislation to protect seniors from financial exploitation
The US Government estimates that roughly $3 billion dollars are lost each year due to the financial exploitation of senior citizens. In the District, the senior population, currently estimated at 120,000 residents, continues to grow, yet financial exploitation of seniors is not a crime.
The “Financial Exploitation of Vulnerable Adults Amendment Act of 2015” penalizes criminals who target the property of citizens 65 and older and provides another tool for members of the community to combat these types of crimes against District seniors by:
The legislative provisions include:
- Creation of a criminal code defining financial exploitation of vulnerable adults, (Financial exploitation means to knowingly and willfully obtain by deception, intimidation, or undue influence the property of an individual.)and redefines vulnerable adult to include all persons aged 65 and above;
- Puts in place penalties for people found guilty of financial exploitation; and
- Enables the exploited senior an opportunity to recover their assets.
Getting synthetic drugs off our streets
Last week Councilmember Bonds participated in Mayor Muriel Bowser's bill signing ceremony for the "Sale of Synthetic Drugs Emergency Amendment Act of 2015."
The emergency bill provides MPD with the ability to enforce harsh penalties on businesses found selling synthetic drugs.
Businesses caught selling these drugs will now be fined $10,000 and shut down for 96 hours on their offence and $20,000 and shut down for 30 days followed by the revoking of their license after repeat offences.
As recently reported by news outlets, the law is already producing results. A local business located in the 200 block of Florida Ave., NE was shuttered by authorities.
 Deadline to submit nominations for this month's Community Cornerstones Awards is coming up
On Friday, July 31 Councilmember Bonds will announce the next round of Community Cornerstone Award Recipients.
We need your help to identify and honor outstanding individuals, businesses and organizations making a significant impact on citizens of the District of Columbia.
Click here to make a nomination today.
What a great 4th of July parade!
Many Thanks to all the volunteers who marched with us at the Palisades 4th of July Parade. We had a wonderful time meeting neighbors and handing out candy to the kids.
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