Editorial: An Update on Key Domestic Violence Proposals

In January, I wrote about the steps being taken in Hartford to increase protections for the victims of domestic violence cases. This is a topic that not only continues to spread across our state, but something that especially hits home for us in Milford.

Recently, I submitted testimony to the Judiciary Committee as they considered proposed legislation that would implement protections, victim services, and stronger penalties for those who commit intimate partner and domestic violence crimes in Connecticut. In my testimony, I highlighted my support for three critical bills that have fostered bipartisan support to combat this non-partisan issue.

The first bill I supported was H.B. 6887, An Act Concerning Additional Legal Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence. Objectives in this bill include permitting a life sentence without release, nor commuted sentences, for domestic violence murderers and expanding CT’s GPS monitoring of those who violate restraining orders. Additionally, it will require the Office of the Victim Advocate to participate on behalf of victims during court proceedings and demand the Victim Services Unit provide victims with information on criminal hearings. With these provisions, this bill will provide the necessary ingredients to reduce domestic violence crime and prioritize victim rights.

It is important to note that many of these domestic violence crimes are committed by reoffenders. Current laws do not require certain criminals to contribute any amount when posting bail following an arrest, permitting them to quickly re-enter their communities and freely commit crimes. That’s why I put my support behind H.B. 5824, An Act Reforming the Bail System, which strengthens our bond laws by frequently auditing bondsmen accounts and limiting when offenders can be released prior to a hearing.

The final bill I supported in my testimony was S.B. 5, An Act Strengthening the Protection Against and Response to Domestic Violence. This bill, proposed by my Democratic colleagues, is a prime example of how increasing protections for domestic violence victims is a bipartisan issue. Many of its provisions reflect the goals of our Republican-led proposal including allocating funding for victim’s assistance grants to expanding GPS monitoring of perpetrators of family violence crimes. One substantive change in this bill’s language is that it will prohibit a perpetrator of a family violence crime from receiving alimony from their victim.

These three significant proposals will implement the necessary safeguards to uphold and secure victim’s rights, however there is plenty of work to be done. In my testimony, I also recommended that we amend bill language concerning restraining orders. Right now, a restraining order can be extended in Connecticut if the victim is in “imminent and present physical danger”, while in Massachusetts, an extension can be approved based on the “likelihood of further abuse.” By recognizing the “likelihood” of abuse and danger in our bill’s language, we can proactively protect the lives of so many residents and families across our state.

No one should live in fear because the law won’t protect them. I believe that with these proposed bills, we can define our state not by a rising number of domestic violence cases, but by our commitment to protecting victim rights, family values, and to enacting long-term solutions to prevent the proliferation of these heinous acts.

Thank you for demonstrating your support for these laws by participating in public hearings and contacting your elected officials! As always, please never hesitate to reach out to me at Kathy.Kennedy@housegop.ct.gov or at 800-240-8700 with your questions, ideas, and concerns.