O’Dea Votes for Improved Anti-Domestic Violence Bill
Measure Aims to Protect Victims Who File Temporary Restraining Orders
In a late night session of the State House of Representatives, State Representative Tom O’Dea (R-125) voted in support of legislation which aims at protecting victims of domestic violence who file for a temporary restraining order against an accused abuser. This bill requires those who are subject to a temporary restraining order to surrender their firearms to local or state law enforcement, or a registered firearms dealer upon being served.
“To me, those critical hours and days between a victim of domestic violence taking the brave stance to file for a temporary restraining order, and when the court date arrives, present the highest level of risk to the safety of that victim,” said Rep. O’Dea. “It is that time period where this legislation makes a difference that can save lives.”
O’Dea noted that the original legislation provided for no mechanism or time certain for the return of any firearms surrendered under these conditions if the temporary restraining order failed to mature into a full restraining order. He and other Republicans worked to improve this bill to provide a definitive five-day maximum before the firearms are returned upon request should a court rule that a restraining order should not be put in place against the accused.
“I am very sensitive to the Second Amendment rights of legal gun owners, which is why it was essential to me that this bill provide an expedited mechanism for the return of firearms once a court has ruled favorably for them,” added Rep. O’Dea. “Because of this, it strikes an appropriate balance between the rights of lawful gun owners, and the preeminent interest of safety for victims of domestic violence.”
It has been demonstrated that the days between the service of a restraining order leading up to a court appearance are statistically the most dangerous for victims of domestic violence, and that women are five more time likely to be killed by their abuser if they have access to firearms.
Connecticut has had an average of 14 intimate partner homicides annually from 2000-2012. Firearms were used in 39% of those 188 homicides, demonstrating firearms as the most commonly used weapon to commit these homicides.
The bill, HB 5054, An Act Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence was passed by the House with a vote of 104-42. It now heads to the State Senate for action there. This session of the Connecticut General Assembly adjourns midnight, Wednesday, May 4th, 2016.