Rep. Russo applauds House passage of Aisha's Law to protect domestic violence victims

COLUMBUS—Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today applauded the passage of Aisha’s Law, a Democratic priority legislation sponsored by Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) that would change how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and provide added protections for those in high-risk situations. Democrats say the bill’s passage comes at a critical time as prolonged isolation during the state’s stay-at-home order has led to a spike in domestic violence cases.

“All of us deserve to live a life of safety and security, and I applaud my fellow House members for passing this important piece of legislation and sending a strong message that preventing domestic violence and protecting victims are priorities,” said Rep. Russo.

Aisha’s Law would change how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and create a continuum of protections for victims of domestic violence that are in extreme risk and lethal situations. The bill is named for Aisha Fraser, a former Shaker Heights, Ohio sixth-grade teacher who was brutally murdered by her ex-husband, former state Rep. Lance Mason, in Nov. 2018 following years of domestic abuse.

Aisha’s Law now moves to the Senate for consideration.

If you are a survivor of domestic violence looking for resources and referrals in Ohio, you can visit ODVN.org or call 614-781-9651.

If you are in an emergency, call the 24/7 National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

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