Domestic abuse prevention legislation approved at state level
Rewritten Article:
Survivors of domestic violence in a particular state are set to gain enhanced protections under a recently cleared bill, Senate Bill 295.
Empowering the Vulnerable
The bill, sponsored by Sen. Joy San Buenaventura from Puna, passed through a House-Senate conference committee last week, signaling its final legislative step. This bill aims to tighten legal protections for domestic violence victims by addressing any unresolved loopholes and sending out a clear message that such abusive behaviors will not be accepted.
Toughening the Rules
Under Senate Bill 295, an individual who violates a temporary restraining order (TRO) or protective order will continue to face misdemeanor charges. However, the penalty for first-time offenders will stiffen, with the minimum jail term increasing from 48 hours to five days, and the minimum fine hiked from $150 to $300, while the maximum fine remains at $500.
For first-time offenders with prior convictions in crimes including murder, assault, kidnapping, sexual assault, burglary, domestic abuse, or aggravated harassment by stalking, the mandatory jail sentence will jack up from 15 days to 30 days, with the minimum fine raised from $150 to $350, and the maximum set at $600.
Repeat offenders in this bill will face even sterner consequences, with a mandatory minimum jail term of 30 days for their second and any subsequent violation of a TRO, along with a minimum fine hike from $250 to $500, and a maximum fine of $1,000.
Course corrections have also been put in place to explicitly direct courts to factor in a defendant's ability to pay when imposing fines. The legislation clarifies how repeating offenses are dealt with under the law.
Full Support from Law Enforcement
Speaking in favor of SB295, Hawaii County Prosecutor Kelden Waltjen stated, "This bill stands as a meaningful step towards reinforcing our commitment to supporting and protecting domestic violence victims by ensuring that offenders face accountability for violating TROs and protective orders."
Hawaii's police community also voiced backing for the proposed changes, with Lt. John Balberde of the East Hawaii Juvenile Aid Section expressing, "The bill's enhancements in penalties provide vital tools for our judicial system to better safeguard domestic violence victims."
"Here in JAS," Lt. Balberde continued, "we will continue to diligently investigate such cases, working hand in hand with the prosecutor's office and victims alike. With the successful passage of this bill and the judicial system enforcing steeper penalties, we believe Hawaii will become a safer place, recognizing that domestic violence and repeat offenders will receive no quarter."
- The enhancement in penalties for violating temporary restraining orders or protective orders, as outlined in Senate Bill 295, is expected to bolster the health-and-wellness and mental health of victims of domestic violence within the community, by sending a clear message that such abusive behaviors will not be tolerated.
- In line with the recent progress of Senate Bill 295, the local science-and-technology sector has expressed interest in developing tools and resources, such as AI-based threat detection systems, to further support law enforcement and general-news media in their efforts to raise awareness about crime-and-justice issues, including domestic violence.
- Aware of the complex interplay between mental health and crime, several local health-and-wellness professionals have offered to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to effectively address the underlying causes of domestic violence and provide the necessary resources for offenders to seek treatment, ultimately contributing to the safety and well-being of the community.
