Lawmakers To Shine Spotlight On Domestic Violence

House lawmakers are putting a spotlight on domestic violence prevention this session.

Each year, Speaker Brian Bosma chooses a cause that House members focus on throughout the session.  This year, the focus is on the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence.  Bosma says that will involve charitable donations, weekly education and awareness efforts, and potential legislative action.

“We’re talking about the needs, the funding needs of the domestic violence folks and what we need to do to assist them in meeting their goals,” Bosma said.

Coalition Against Domestic Violence executive director Laura Berry says Indiana has put in place criminal justice and intervention policies that can make a significant difference in combating domestic violence.  She says the focus now must be on fully implementing and supporting those policies.

“We turned 1,700 women away last year, men and children, because we didn’t have space in our facilities,' Berry said. "We need to make that different.”

The legislative session begins Jan. 6.