A new gun law is poised to keep domestic violence victims safer. The new Louisiana law bans those convicted of domestic abuse from owning firearms for four years in hopes the law will protect victims of violent abuse. Someone who has been convicted of the crime or who is under a protection order either can sign a court-sworn declaration that he or she doesn't own weapons or can sign a declaration in a sheriff's office that any weapons will be given to a third party or surrendered to the sheriff's office.
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Posts tagged "Domestic Violence"
Is physical abuse the only type of domestic violence?
The definition of domestic violence that most people are familiar with is actually fairly narrow. Although domestic violence can and often does take the form of physical abuse, this is not always the case. Understanding exactly how violence in a relationship may manifest is important for helping Louisiana victims know when to seek help.
When should I get a protective order?
Dealing with a potentially dangerous and violent person can be an emotionally overwhelming for which few people in Louisiana feel prepared. It may seem as if there is little help out there, leaving you unsure of where to turn. If you have reached the point of fearing for your own safety or the safety of your children, a protective order may be the most appropriate course of action to take.
What are the warning signs of domestic violence?
According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, more than 12 million people are abused annually in the United States. Men and women in Louisiana should be on the lookout for such behavior, as there are often red flags for possible future abuse earlier on in a relationship. Those who are in abusive marriages should also educate themselves on the safest ways to protect themselves when leaving such a marriage.
Harsher penalties for marriage violence under new Louisiana law
Domestic violence is a serious issue across the United States. State lawmakers in Louisiana are looking to address this issue with legislation aimed at protecting victims of marriage violence. House Bill 896, also known as the "Crimes of Violence" Bill, increases penalties and expands existing laws related to domestic abuse. It was approved by the Senate on May 8, 2019.
Survey finds many believe domestic abuse is too taboo to discuss
While many once taboo subjects are now being talked about more, the stigma associated with many subjects still keeps important conversations hidden. A recent study found that 34 percent of individuals in Louisiana and throughout the United States thought that domestic violence and abuse was too taboo to talk about. This is a 10 percent jump from the 24 percent of respondents who considered the topic too taboo when the same question was asked four years ago.
Senate passes law aimed at protecting domestic violence victims
For those in violent or abusive marriages, the presence of weapons in the home can pose a serious danger. Louisiana lawmakers recently addressed this serious safety issue by presenting new gun control legislation aimed at protecting domestic violence victims. The legislation, which has been passed by the Senate and is now being reviewed by the House, would prevent people who have been targeted with a restraining order from obtaining a firearm. It also would increase the penalty for those who violate a protective order by possessing firearms.
Common misconceptions about domestic abuse
Domestic violence is often misunderstood by both those inside and outside of abusive relationships. Those facing abuse at home in Louisiana may struggle not only with the issue they are facing at home, but the many misconceptions held by those around them. Here are a few of the common myths about domestic violence.
Domestic abuse addressed among political staffers
Workplaces across the country are developing standards and protocol to deal with domestic violence and other issues. The White House is among these workplaces, as the chief of staff reportedly sent a memo addressing abuse allegations against a former staffer. Workplaces throughout the country, including those in Louisiana, often have to react to these kinds of issues both at work, in the public sphere and occasionally in the legal arena.
You shouldn't have to fear physical abuse in your own home
The tragic truth is that many Louisiana residents live in fear, and the danger comes from within their own homes. Your home should be the one place where you feel safe, but not everyone has that luxury. Instead, they suffer emotional and physical abuse from someone that should protect and love them.
