Rep. Brewer Recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Darnell Brewer (D-Cleveland) Wednesday joined Ohio Domestic Violence Network’s advocacy day at the Ohio Statehouse recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, calling on the urgent need for legislative action.

 "ODVN’s advocacy day recognizes the wide-reaching effect domestic violence continues to have on families throughout Ohio, destroying the very fabric of our communities. It was a reminder that domestic violence does not respect boundaries; this can happen to anyone, be it professional, economic status, or background.This month allows us to shine a light on how much more work must be done to protect survivors and provide needed resources.

Domestic violence is undoubtedly one of the most personal and pervasive issues families in Cuyahoga County and around Ohio continue to face. According to the ODVN, more than 75K incidents of domestic violence are reported annually across Ohio. These figures only show the reported cases, thus silencing the thousands due to fear, intimidation, and complication in seeking help.

As domestic violence continues to plague Ohioans, there is an urgent need for stronger laws that protect survivors and hold abusers accountable. The most crucial legislative push is the passing of Aeisha's Law-appropriately named for a survivor of domestic violence, that would encompass harsher sentencing for repeat offenders. House Bill 486 would provide more thorough resourcing for victims, and a more active response on the part of law enforcement to help prevent further abuse from happening.

Second, closing the ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ would also protect survivors. Current Ohio law prohibits convicted domestic violence criminals and those under a restraining order from owning a firearm. Protection does not currently extend to dating partners or individuals in informal relationships. This leaves countless victims vulnerable to continued abuse when many abusers are non-spousal partners.

In Ohio, closing the ‘Boyfriend Loophole’ could mean that all domestic violence offenders face the same restrictions, without exception for marital status. Saving lives and significantly reducing the risk of deadly domestic violence perpetrated with firearms is critical in protecting lives,” said Rep Brewer.

Beyond the much-needed legislation that will reform the laws, fighting domestic violence requires education, community support, and resources. Ohio must:

1. Provide more shelters along with other support: Abused individuals have many obstacles to overcome when they try to leave abusive homes. Ohio must expand shelter services and guarantee access to counseling, legal, and housing services.
2. Awareness and Prevention: Communities desperately need to know what domestic abuse is, what resources are available, and how effectively to intervene before abuse occurs. Community-based efforts should be used to increase awareness, especially through schools and local community centers, identifying and preventing abuse early.
3. Enhancing Legal Protection for Survivors: We need enhancement of legal protection, among others, through the issuance of restraining orders and the proper training of police responding to incidents of domestic violence can prevent further incidents.
4. Children and Family Support: The majority of children in cases of domestic violence are at an increased risk of trauma. Counseling and other supportive services should be provided for children in all families involved.
    

“Let us observe Domestic Violence Awareness Month with a commitment to meaningful and lasting change for the survivors in Ohio. Protection from immediate harm will come with the passage of laws like Aeisha's Law and the closing of the Boyfriend Loophole, which both would help create a much safer environment for all Ohio families. We can build a future without domestic violence,”  said Rep. Brewer. 

Ohio House District 18 constituents can contact Rep. Brewer's office at Rep18@ohiohouse.gov or 614-466-1414. 

For more information about Rep. Brewer or House District 18, visit https://ohiohouse.gov/members/darnell-t-brewer