Submitted by Jocelyn Vare for State Senate
Editor’s note: The following was submitted from Jocelyn Vare’s State Senate campaign.
Fishers City Councilor and candidate for Indiana State Senate Jocelyn Vare will speak at the Hamilton County Democratic Party headquarters in Carmel on Friday, Oct. 28 to build a brighter future for women and girls across the state. Vare will join fellow Democratic leaders who will be signing the “Contract with Women” in solidarity for Indiana’s future.
Jocelyn Vare
As part of her pledge, Vare will share her personal experience as a domestic violence survivor.
“Domestic Violence is a public safety issue that affects one in three women in their lifetime,” Vare said. “As a survivor, I am speaking openly about domestic violence so that Indiana can become a safer place for all women.”
On a recent Fox59 segment that recognized October as Domestic Violence Month, Vare appeared with Hamilton County Deputy Prosecutor Jessica Paxson. Vare told her personal story and experience with Prevail. Prevail is Hamilton County’s advocate and service provider for people experiencing life with an abuser. Vare relied on Prevail in 2010 and is grateful to the Fishers Police Department for their referral to the organization’s free and confidential services. She also experienced firsthand how vital safe and secure housing is for survivors.
“To be safe, my kids and I needed to find an immediate and secure place to stay,” Vare said. “We had to travel to another county because there were no emergency housing options for us locally.”
Through Hamilton County’s purchase of land and dedication of design funding, plans have begun for safe housing to be constructed. It will be Hamilton County’s first housing option for domestic violence survivors.
“I celebrate the plan to offer safe housing in Hamilton County to survivors,” emphasizes Vare. “I also recognize twelve years have passed since my kids and I needed safe housing in Hamilton County. This is overdue. When Indiana does not prioritize women, it harms the entire community. A commitment to women is a commitment to community.”
Vare’s signature on the “Contract with Women” also includes commitments to repeal Indiana’s abortion ban, codifying the right to birth control and other contraceptives, fixing Indiana’s maternal mortality rate, passing legitimate workplace protections for women – especially pregnant women, repealing the state’s high taxes on hygiene products, addressing the state’s childcare crisis, and creating a statewide Pre-K system for children.
“Indiana can no longer be the state that ignores and controls women. I am proud to sign the Contract with Women,” Vare said. “It is a promise to prioritize and serve Hoosier women. Building a better future for women and girls is not a partisan topic because it benefits all of us.”
Vare is a business owner and domestic violence survivor who is dedicated to public service. She proves it through her active roles with community non-profits, public education advocacy organizations, and as an at-large member of Fishers City Council. Vare was the first Democrat elected to municipal office in Fishers and won her election with strong bipartisan support, including an endorsement from the Fiscal Conservatives of Hamilton County.
Vare maintains clear focus on ideals of transparency, balance, and representation. She achieves the ideals by listening to neighbors, residents, and constituents she serves. Vare embraces her reputation for shining a light on decisions others would prefer to leave behind closed doors. An unapologetic independent thinker, she always returns to and keeps the promises she made to those who elected her.
About Jocelyn Vare
Jocelyn Vare is an at-large member of the Fishers City Council and a candidate for Indiana Senate District 31 in 2022. State Senate District 31 was redrawn for the 2022 election and includes all of Fishers, Geist, parts of Noblesville, and the northeast side of Indianapolis.
Follow Vare on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information about Vare and a map of Indiana State Senate District 31, please visit the Jocelyn Vare for Indiana website.