Lawmakers are discussing several bills that focus on domestic violence. Senate Bills two through seven passed the full senate Monday. Lawmakers want to do what’s best for the children in domestic abuse situations.
The intent of each bill is to revamp the current process used in domestic abuse cases. Republican State Senator Deb Soholt says it’s important for lawmakers to address these issues involving children.
"Research shows us that even when children are not direct targets of violence at home, they can be harmed by witnessing its occurrence. The witnessing of domestic violence can be auditory, visual or inferred. Including cases where the child perceives the aftermath of violence, such as physical injury to family members or damage to property," Senator Soholt says.
Soholt and a majority of lawmakers understand the need to protect children. Senate Bill six charges an offender with a class one misdemeanor if they commit domestic abuse in front of a child. Senate Bill seven changes the definition of domestic abuse to include parents who aren’t married. Senate Bill two provides a delay to an arrest process if it’s in the best interest of the child. Republican State Senator Craig Tieszen says every situation needs to be looked at closely.
"If law enforcement goes to a home and arrests one spouse for domestic violence and then the other spouse has a non-violent misdemeanor warrant, for say an unpaid speeding ticket, and arrest that spouse on the warrant; they might very well have three children on their hands, for whom they have to call department of social services," Senator Tieszen says.
The six bills passed nearly unanimously. They go next to the house.
