A bill proposed by State Sen. Michael J. Barrett '71 (D-Cambridge), revising procedures for restraining order cases and establishing state-wide records of domestic violence offenses in the state, is scheduled to be signed today by Gov. William F. Weld '66.
The new law requires that reports be made of all civil restraining orders and criminal domestic violence offenses, and that judges refer to them when issuing restraining orders. If the records show multiple previous offenses by the defendant, the judge is required to notify law enforcement officials.
The law mandates that information be provided about all the civil and criminal responses available to a victim of domestic violence--including the right to prosecute under the "stalking law" passed in May.
"This law empowers all of the good guys," Barrett said in a statement. "Judges will be given comprehensive up-to-date information. Women will be informed about how they can use the law to stop abuse. And for the first time, police officers will know about restraining orders issued throughout the state when responding to domestic violence calls."
Read more in News
Lincoln Pitches One-Hitter As Harvard Downs TuftsRecommended Articles
-
Steinem Criticizes GOP HopefulsBOSTON--Women's rights activist Gloria Steinem joined five other panelists at Northeastern University yesterday in attacking GOP presidential candidate Robert J.
-
Human Rights Activist Leads Domestic Violence DiscussionReebok Human Rights Award winner Stacey Kabat led a discussion on domestic violence last night as a part of this
-
Voices UnheardTercentenary Theater has echoed with the voices of students performing memorial readings three times in just the past month. The
-
Community Clout Does Not Excuse ViolenceTo the editors: I sincerely hope that the arrest of Kirkland House resident tutor Brian M. Lawrence ( News, “House
-
Federal Court Has Authority In Waitress Union LitigationA Federal District Court judge ruled yesterday that jurisdiction in the case involving the right of waitresses at Cronin's Restaurant
-
Breaking the Silence, Changing CultureLast month, the Harvard Lampoon presented their Wheelwright Award to the famous rhythm-and-blues singer James Brown for his “outstanding contributions
