Bill > S1123

This bill aims to empower and protect survivors of domestic violence. The key provisions of the bill include: 1. Establishing a special commission to study the Commonwealth's response to and resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including analyzing current resource offerings, the efficiency of state departments in maintaining victim safety, and ways to provide opportunities for victim and community engagement. 2. Creating a domestic violence and sexual assault probation unit within the court's probation department, which includes a victim advocate and specialized probation officers trained in domestic violence and sexual assault. 3. Expanding the definition of "abuse" in Chapter 209A to include coercive control, a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person's free will and personal liberty. 4. Enhancing penalties for violations of protective orders and requirements for defendants to attend certified batterers' treatment programs. 5. Mandating the establishment of a toll-free telephone hotline to respond to and forward complaints, including instances of domestic violence and violations of probation. 6. Providing additional rights and protections for victims, such as allowing them to make statements during proceedings and ensuring they can confer with new prosecutors assigned to their case. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the system's response to domestic violence, increase resources and support for survivors, and hold offenders more accountable.

Justice

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S1123