Advocates Say Changes in Domestic Violence Laws Will Help Victims - and Legal System

Changes are coming to the way domestic violence cases are handled in the legal system starting July 1. MPB’s Cari Gervin has the details.

Martha Crawford is a victim advocate at the Domestic Violence Project in Oxford. She hopes recent legal changes will eliminate the confusion she sees almost daily – and protect victims.

“We had a case just this morning – and this lady came to our shelter on Saturday, and we took her up today to file charges, and she’s told that she has just about waited too late to file charges. That’s stupidity, for lack of a better term. You can always go and file charges.”

Mississippi domestic violence laws haven’t really changed since the 1980’s. The legislature took action this year after a statewide commission recommended changes.

The new laws include lengthening temporary restraining orders from 10 days to 30 days and eliminating circuit court jurisdiction over cases. Crawford says the new laws will create consistency in how cases are treated from county to county.

Attorney General Jim Hood says that was the goal of the legislation. He says there will also now be a statewide registry of offenders.

“You know, we look back 10 years, and we will see a, a difference in the rates of domestic violence in Mississippi, I believe, as a result of these actions.”

Hood says the law also adds an one dollar fine on all tickets, from speeding tickets to hunting violations. The money will help the Domestic Violence Unit in his office spearhead education for law enforcement officials.

For MPB News, I’m Cari Gervin in Oxford.