Lawmakers fight domestic violence costs
By ConnPolitics.tv Staff on Feb 8, 2010 | In News, Gov. Jodi Rell, Judicial Branch | 6 feedbacks »
Hartford, Conn. (WTNH) – Some lawmakers are proposing new recommendations, in dealing with domestic violence. But as with everything, the problem is where to get the money.
Twice in the past two weeks, a domestic violence incident has turned deadly in Connecticut. And twice in the past two weeks the husband in the case was under a restraining order; a restraining order that police say didn’t work.
Monday, a task force, made up of lawmakers from both political parties, released recommendations that again include staffing shelters across the state 24/7.
“Victims of domestic violence should be able to find equal level of services no matter what part of the state they come from,” said Task Force Chairwoman Rep. Mae Flexer.
The cost to expand those services is estimated at about $3 million; the estimated cost of appointing twelve new judges.
“The Judicial Branch is closing courthouses, closing law libraries, contemplating laying off staff they don’t have; they can’t staff new judges,” said Mike Lawlor [D] of the Judiciary Committee.
It’s up to the Governor and legislative leadership to decide if the judicial nominations go forward.
“If the Governor holds off on her appointment of twelve new judges, that would save about $3 million a year for the judicial branch, which is exactly the amount of money they need to have for the 24 hour shelters for victims of domestic violence,” Lawlor said.
Another proposal from the task force may be a little easier to pay for.
“We will be working with the Judicial Branch to start a pilot program for GPS monitoring of the most high risk domestic violence offenders who have restraining and protective orders,” said Rep. Flexer.
Those under restraining order would be forced to pay the GPS costs.
The Director of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence said that could have made the difference in the most recent high-profile cases.
“If there were an effective monitoring attached to that, I believe, in many of the cases, it could have been prevented,” said Attorney Erika Tindill.
For more information on the domestic violence issue, click here.
6 comments
Please counselor- define "effective monitoring"
Some will be too poor to pay
What if a victim goes to a mall??? Or will the victims need GPS devices as well?
What happens when a creep does meet a victim? Most first responders are minutes away when seconds count.. or will a victim need a cop when he perp is within a mile or so???
You wouldn't be speaking that way if your spouse beat the life out of you every evening. Typical republican, debt and money are more important than protecting those who are abused.
Once you accept something can never be perfect, you already accept it will never be…
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