| Tougher Criminal Domestic Violence Law Delayed |
| The news from the State Capital is not good
for people like Denise. She didn't want to reveal her last name,
because she's a victim of domestic abuse. Snd she was hoping and
praying the tougher Criminal Domestic Violence law would go
through. “I was all excited because I thought it was gonna pass and that would be great,” she said. But the waiting game will continue for Denise and other victims like her. House lawmakers have delayed the bill until next week, meaning it will miss the May 1st deadline to be considered by the senate this legislative session. “It's just the good ole' boys being good ole' boys,” said Denise, “and I wonder if it'll ever change." The change she's looking for would call for a fine of up to $2,500 on a first offense of criminal domestic violence. Second offenses would have a fine plus 30 days in jail. The third offense would be a felony instead of misdemeanor with one year in jail. But Denise wonders if all the talk in the capital is just that, and nothing more. “Are we willing to change?” she asked rhetorically, “or do we just want to talk about it." Denise believes the longer the talking goes on in the State House, the more women will suffer like she did. |