Domestic abuse bill passes House

Feb. 04--A bill to strengthen the penalty for domestic violence in front of children passed the state House of Representatives last week, raising the possibility that parents and other adults could be looking at longer jail sentences.

Sponsored by Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, the bill focuses on the first- and second-degree domestic violence, which are felony level.

"A lot of domestic violence charges are third degree, or misdemeanor charges, but the felonies are another level of what occurs," Harbison said. "The bill, we hope, will serve as a deterrent on one level and punishment when this type of violence happens in front of children."

Harbison said the punishment in the bill raises the minimum jail sentence for second-degree domestic violence from six months to one year, and from one year to two years for first-degree domestic violence.

The bill is expected to be considered by the Senate this week.

Studies show that three to four million children between the ages of 3-17 are at risk of exposure to domestic violence each year. U.S. government statistics say that 95 percent of domestic violence cases involve women victims of male partners. The children of these women often witness the domestic violence, according to Domestic Violence Roundtable.

Children who grow up observing their mothers being abused, especially by their fathers, grow up with a role model of intimate relationships in which one person uses intimidation and violence over the other person to get their way. Because children have a natural tendency to identify with strength, they may ally themselves with the abuser and lose respect for their seemingly helpless mother, Domestic Violence Roundtable also reported.

Harbison said the longterm effects on children of witnessing abuse is an important motivation in the House passing the bill.

"The information is there about the impact on children," Harbison said. "This is an effort to try to get people to stop and think before they do something violent in front of children, and it's to help protect children."

Locally, Cullman Caring for Kids is involved in an educational effort to stop abuse of children. The nonprofit organization works through schools and other outlets to teach the signs of abuse, preventative actions, how to report a problem, and where to seek help. For more information on the program, call 256-739-1111.

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