AG's effort a lifesaver DV/ Miss 2nd worst in Nation for DV October 8, 2006
Domestic violence: AG's effort a lifesaver
Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has announced creation of a Domestic Violence Division of his office that could save many lives.
To be funded by a two-year, $1.5 million grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, the four-person unit will help train officers, provide assistance to attorneys who help domestic-abuse victims, and coordinate victims' services, according to Heather Wagner, the unit's director. It's needed.
Mississippi ranks second worst in the nation for domestic violence.
The unit should also help spur efforts to close loopholes in state law.
In 1995, the Legislature passed a tough domestic violence law requiring an arrest as a 24-hour "cooling off" period when police are called.
But too many cases are falling through the cracks.
For example, permanent protective orders are too difficult and costly for victims to obtain and a registry of orders should be instantaneously available to police when responding to calls.
Nationally, domestic violence causes more injuries to women than car accidents, muggings and rapes combined and is a major factor in homicides.
Mississippi ranks ninth in the nation for rate of females killed by males in single victim-single offender homicides.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Online, see: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, www.ncadv.org/; Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence, www.mcadv.org/ and AG's office: www.ago.state.ms.ushttp://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061008/OPINION01/610080314/1008/OPINION
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