Press Releases
03/14/2016
What They’re Saying: Domestic Violence Advocates Testify in Support of Gov. Malloy’s Legislation on Temporary Restraining Orders
(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy has introduced a legislative proposal to protect domestic violence victims by prohibiting the possession of firearms for anyone who becomes subject to a temporary restraining order. At a public hearing of the General Assembly's Judiciary Committee today, lawmakers are hearing why the adoption of this law will help eliminate a critical window of time during which a victim's life could be imminently at risk. The proposal is similar to laws already enacted in many states across the country.
Testimony of Governor Malloy's General Counsel Karen Buffkin and Under Secretary of Criminal Justice and Policy Planning Mike Lawlor:
"The hours following service of a temporary restraining order and the days leading up to the first court appearance are the most dangerous for victims of domestic violence. The danger in these situations is prompted by the service of the restraining order on the alleged abuser, and is further enhanced when that individual has access to firearms. Many states already prohibit firearm possession during this volatile period, but unfortunately, Connecticut is not one of them. This has got to change."
Testimony of Chief Marc Montminy, Manchester Police Department:
"The goal of this bill is to protect victims of domestic violence at the most dangerous time by temporarily removing firearms from their abuser when the abuser has received notice that he or she is the subject of a temporary, ex-parte restraining order… If this measure saves just one life by requiring the temporary, two week removal of firearms during the ex-parte restraining order, then I believe it deserved the full support of the General Assembly."
Testimony of Chief Douglas Fuchs, Redding Police Department:
"Having been a police officer for twenty-seven years, having responded to countless domestic violence calls for service and having seen the benefits of the current practice of removing firearms from a home which is prone to violence via a 'risk warrant' or as a result of a court order of protection; this legislation would provide one more step in our collective safety plans as we all seek to break the cycle of violence while providing much needed help to all involved."
Testimony of Shaunna Cullen, New Horizons Domestic Violence Services:
"Connecticut has seen an average of 14 intimate partner homicides annually since 2000 and firearms are the single most commonly used weapons in those homicides (39%). The state has a vested interest in protecting the lives of victims of domestic violence. We urge your support of HB 5054, which will provide the most comprehensive protection of victims of domestic violence at the most dangerous time and strengthen processes within a system designed to help them."
Testimony of Karen Jarmoc, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence:
"The most dangerous time for a victim of domestic violence is when she or he takes steps to end the relationship. Because domestic violence is all about power and control of one partner over the other, this can be a particularly difficult time for the abuser, who will begin to realize that he or she is losing control over the victims. This may result in the offender taking more extreme actions to regain control."
Testimony of Danielle Brown, Domestic Violence Crisis Center:
"The temporary removal of firearms provision is a common-sense measure that would provide protection during an emotionally volatile time when lethality indicators for victims are very high. Domestic violence is about power and control; if the abusive partner feels as though they are losing control over their partner, they may make desperate and deadly decisions to regain that control."
Testimony of Sarah Eagan, State of Connecticut Child Advocate:
"Victims of domestic violence are most at risk at the very moment that they actively begin to take steps necessary to access help. For some, women in particular, this initial phase can be lethal."
Testimony of Natasha M. Pierre, State of Connecticut Victim Advocate:
"Orders of protection are one of many tools utilized by victims of domestic violence to ensure their safety and the safety of their children. If the victim/applicant has met the threshold to obtain such an order, the victim/applicant should have a reasonable expectation that these efforts will in fact offer enhanced protection."
Testimony of Deb Heinrich, Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence:
"When discussing domestic violence and firearms, the statistics speak for themselves. A person in an abusive relationship is five times more likely to be killed if their abuser has access to firearms. Domestic assaults involving firearms are twelve times more likely to end in death than those involving other weapons or bodily force. In our state alone, there is an average of 14 intimate partner homicides each year, and the most common weapon used is a firearm."
Testimony of Carolyn Treiss, Permanent Commission on the Status of Women:
"Fatal domestic violence has been reduced by 12-13% in states that have passed such laws. It is important for victims in Connecticut, the overwhelming majority of whom are women, to have comprehensive protection from dangerous abusers."
Testimony of Ann Rodwell-Lawton, Women's Center of Greater Danbury:
"Connecticut has seen an average of 14 intimate partner homicides annually since 2000. The state has a vested interest in protecting the lives of victims of domestic violence. Existing state law prohibits anyone who is the subject of a full, one year restraining order from possessing firearms. Not extending the same prohibition during the temporary order which covers the most dangerous period of time for a victim is a serious gap in our laws."
Today's Judiciary Committee public hearing began at 10:30 a.m. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building. The Governor's legislation is House Bill 5054, An Act Protecting Victims of Domestic Violence.
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