Crisco backs initiative to reduce domestic violence

State Senator Joseph J. Crisco, Jr., D-Woodbridge, supports new legislative initiatives to reduce incidents of domestic violence in Connecticut. 
Proposed legislation to strengthen anti-stalking laws, fortify restraining orders, and otherwise help domestic violence victims and their families was introduced at a recent press briefing.
Crisco said as many as one-third of all new criminal cases filed in Connecticut can be traced to domestic violence – an epidemic by any measure.
“I strongly endorse the recommendations made today by the domestic violence task force, including the call for a uniform standard in domestic violence training for law enforcement personnel, who are routinely called upon to respond to a wide range of potentially volatile domestic violence situations,” Crisco said. “I also applaud the suggestion to further streamline the process by which restraining orders are granted and other victims’ services are rendered.”
According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence more than 50,000 state residents receive services ranging from short-term emergency shelter to long-term criminal protective orders.  Crisco has been active in another aspect of the state’s comprehensive effort, working to ensure that domestic violence suspects are denied bail if a determination is made they remain capable of violence and pose a safety risk.
“The tragic circumstances surrounding any domestic violence incident are self-evident, with the potential to be instantly and dramatically compounded once extended family members, friends, and neighbors become aware of its presence and true nature,” he said. “In this manner the number of those who become victimized in each case rises exponentially, adding to the sense of urgency we feel to continue reassessing the laws we have to combat this epidemic.”
“Another key component is adequate funding to underwrite all the necessary services for victims – to protect them ahead of time and assist them in times of crisis – and we’ll monitor the state budget proceedings this session as well, to ensure no erosion of this vitally important funding,” Crisco said.

 The above release was provided by a Crisco staff member.