Ohio closer to protecting those most at risk of domestic violence as Aisha's Law clears House

House Democrats 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.

“We’ve seen during this crisis that stay at home doesn’t necessarily mean safe at home, especially for those most at risk for violence,” said Minority Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron). “Democrats have for a long time pushed for commonsense domestic violence protections, and today’s vote moves us one step closer to fulfilling Ohio’s promise of safety and security for all Ohioans.”

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.

“I was asked once if I thought that because Aisha’s murderer had formerly been a judge and a state legislator if that would make it harder to pass Aisha’s Law. My response then resounds in me today, and that is, no one is above the law. His previous titles remain irrelevant. He was a person who tortured his children by brutalizing their mother in front of them. He ultimately murdered her leaving them without a mother or father, and leaving her parents and entire community devastated and heartbroken. No title should be a cover to abuse or harm another person. I am grateful that Aisha’s Law passed out of the House today, and I look forward to passing it out of the Senate,” Rep. Boyd said. 

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.