Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Governor Minner Signs Senate Bill 57
Dover – Today Governor Ruth Ann Minner signed Senate Bill 57, legislation that amends the definition of parties considered protected under the Delaware’s domestic violence statute. The bill, sponsored by Senator Patricia Blevins, Senator Liane Sorenson, and Representative Deborah Hudson, expands the definition to include victims formerly or currently involved in substantive dating relationships with their abusers.
“Domestic violence is a crime that results in fear, isolation, and hopelessness on the part of its victims,” said Governor Ruth Ann Minner. “This legislation provides much needed protection for people who had no refuge in the previous statute. I hope it will encourage victims to come forward and report their abusers now that they are covered by law. I have no doubt that this legislation will save lives.”
The previous law defined victims of domestic violence as former spouses, a man and a woman co-habitating together with or without a child of either or both, or a man and a woman living separate and apart with a child in common. The new law expands those parameters to include those holding themselves out as a couple, as well as those involved in a substantive dating relationship.
“In Delaware, we are fortunate to have a strong advocacy community that works tirelessly to improve our system’s response to the dangers of domestic violence,” said Senator Blevins. “Senate Bill 57 is the result of the hard work of those very advocates who never gave up on the ideal of providing civil protections to dating couples and same-sex couples that are equal to the protections that we extend to married and live-in couples. This change to Delaware law will make a real difference by saving lives and making victims safer every day.”
