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

COLUMBUS—Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) today applauded the 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.

“The passage of this bill is long overdue,” Rep. Denson said. “At a time when we’re seeing increased risk of domestic violence due to prolonged isolation amid COVID-19, I’m overjoyed that we could do something that will have such positive tangible effects across the state both now and in the future. 

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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