Broader federal law aims to prevent domestic violence

President Obama recently signed a re-vamped federal Violence Against Women Act. The Act had originally been signed into law in 1994, and Congress had twice renewed it. In 2011, however, disagreement over new provisions in the law caused it to stall in Congress. Eventually, these issues were ironed out, and the law reached the President’s desk earlier this month.

Anne Arundel County domestic violence lawyers will probably see the benefits of the renewed law very soon, in the form of new cases that might not have come to light otherwise. The act will provide funding so that local law enforcement and other agencies can devote resources to preventing domestic violence.

The law will allocate $695 million a year over the next five years to programs designed to provide legal help and temporary housing for victims, and training for local police among other programs geared to benefit women who are victims of domestic violence.

Supporters of the measure credit the law with helping to reduce domestic violence across the country. According to some reports, sexual assaults against females over 12 years old fell by 64 percent over the last 10 years. While supporters acknowledge this positive trend, they also emphasize that domestic violence is still a significant problem for women and that continued funding is needed.

This funding should help local law enforcement agencies and courts process domestic violence cases more effectively and efficiently. It should give Maryland women access to resources that they may need should they encounter domestic violence in their relationships.

With the assistance of legal counsel Maryland victims of domestic violence can get the help they need these cases. A Maryland domestic violence lawyer may be a victim’s best bet to quickly get the protection and legal support that she deserves.

Source: Fox News, “Obama signs expanded Violence Against Women Act,” Mar. 7, 2013.