A high-profile domestic violence bill is gaining momentum in the Ohio House. The bipartisan piece of legislation looks to overhaul the way communities and law enforcement respond to reports of assault.
State Rep. Janine Boyd (D-Cleveland Heights) said she and other interested parties are working on making slight changes to offset concerns voiced by opponents - including adding more input from the Ohio Supreme Court.
The bill requires police to conduct a lethality assessment of alleged victims of domestic violence. That would determine if the victim and offender need to be connected to programs that assist in high-risk situations. Boyd says this helps monitor things before they escalate.
"That would be the long term positive impact that I think will be measurable. It’s changing the thinking and seeing victims more clearly, and hearing them throughout the process," Boyd said.
The bill is named after Aisha Fraser who was killed by her ex-husband, a former state lawmaker Lance Mason. Mason had a prior conviction of assault against Fraser.
