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

Rep. Casey Weinstein (D-Hudson) today applauded the unanimous passage of Aisha’s Law, 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.

“With domestic violence on the rise as a result of COVID-19, the passage of Aisha’s Law comes not a moment too soon,” Rep. Weinstein said. “I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take action as soon as possible so that it may be signed into law post haste.”

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.