Advocates Weigh-In on Domestic Violence Law

[gtxvideo vid=”U0tg8bW7″ playlist=”” pid=”rkijshg2″ thumb=”http://player.gtxcel.com/thumbs/U0tg8bW7.jpg” vtitle=”Domestic Violence”]

Columbia , S.C. (WOLO) — South Carolina ranks 2nd in the nation for women killed by men. However, this year lawmakers have made changes, signing a domestic violence bill last week. Some advocates said this is one step in the right direction. “I think it’s part of what’s been a real change in the conversation around domestic violence in our state over the past year,” said SCCADVASA Executive Director, Sara Barber. Barber said the signing of the domestic violence bill is a positive move in tackling an on-going issue. “Our over-riding response to domestic violence is through the criminal justice system, that’s how it really comes to peoples attention,” she said. While pleased with the bill overall, Barber said she wished the firearms provision, creating a state ban for certain cases, was stronger. “We would’ve liked to see a federal law mirrored and ours is a little weaker than the federal law,” Barber explained. The issue of domestic violence has been a hot item on the agenda throughout this year’s legislative session. “We currently live in a state where you can beat your dog and get 5 years, but beat your wife and you get 30 days,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson earlier this week. Now, with a law in place, creating stricter penalties and punishments, Attorney General Alan Wilson and advocates said this is one step forward in the fight against domestic violence. “It is not a perfect bill, no ones going to pretend it’s a perfect bill,” said Wilson. “I am here today to challenge the General Assembly that this should not be a one and done deal, we should be talking about domestic violence every year.”