Leader Sykes applauds House passage of Aisha's Law to protect safety, security of those at risk of domestic violence

House Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today applauded the House passage of Aisha’s Law, Democratic priority legislation sponsored by Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) that would better protect the safety and security for those in high-risk situations for domestic violence. Aisha’s Law would improve how law enforcement agencies respond to domestic violence cases and provide added protections for those in high-risk situations. 

“Nearly two years to the anniversary of Aisha Fraser’s tragic death, the Ohio House has come together to pass this legislation honoring her life and protecting victims” said Leader Sykes. “October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and as a state legislator, it is my mission to ensure that we pass laws that will protect victims and survivors of intimate-partner violence.”

HB 3 was initially unveiled as bipartisan priority legislation in the 133rd General Assembly, and was passed by the Ohio House on May 20, 2020. Aisha’s Law is named after Aisha Fraser, who was brutally killed on Nov. 17, 2018 by her ex-husband following years of domestic abuse. 

Key provisions of Aisha’s Law would add strangulation to Ohio’s definition of domestic violence, allow individuals to request temporary emergency protection orders after hours, require evidence-based lethality assessment screening tools for law enforcement agencies, and increase training for police officers on how to respond to domestic violence calls, among other changes to ensure the safety and security of all Ohioans. 

Aisha’s Law now heads to the Ohio Senate for further 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.