PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — A Palm Beach County lawmaker who fled an abusive relationship with her young daughter says the pain she once survived has now helped reshape Florida law.
A sweeping domestic violence law sponsored by State Rep. Debra Tendrich, R-Lake Worth Beach, officially took effect July 1, increasing penalties for repeat offenders, expanding protections for victims and giving judges new tools aimed at preventing violence before it turns deadly.
A sweeping domestic violence law sponsored by State Rep. Debra Tendrich, R-Lake Worth Beach, officially took effect July 1, increasing penalties for repeat offenders, expanding protections for victims and giving judges new tools aimed at preventing violence before it turns deadly. (WPEC)
On Wednesday, survivors, law enforcement officers, victim advocates and community leaders gathered at the Palm Beach County Police Benevolent Association Hall in West Palm Beach to mark the law’s implementation and reflect on the lives they hope it will save.
“Together we transformed that pain into life-saving policy,” Tendrich said.
She called House Bill 277 one of Florida’s most significant domestic violence reforms in decades.
“Today, because of that coalition, Florida is stronger, survivors have greater protection, and offenders face greater accountability, and I truly believe lives will be saved.”
What’s changing under HB 277?
The new law makes several changes to Florida’s domestic violence laws, including:
Increasing penalties for repeat domestic violence offenders by reclassifying second or subsequent offenses to the next higher degree.Making repeat injunction violations a felony sooner. A person with one prior qualifying conviction who violates an injunction involving the same victim can now face a third-degree felony.Increasing relocation assistance for victims from $1,500 to $2,500 per claim and raising the lifetime maximum from $3,000 to $5,000.Allowing judges to consider threats against family pets when deciding whether to issue a domestic violence injunction.Requiring dating and sexual violence injunctions to be entered into Florida’s statewide verification system.Creating electronic monitoring pilot programs in Pinellas County and Florida’s Sixth Judicial Circuit for certain domestic violence offenders who pose a threat to victims.
The legislation passed unanimously in the Florida Legislature, receiving a 112-0 vote in the House and 37-0 in the Senate before being signed into law.
Survivors hope others will find the strength to leave
For survivor Yolanda Cope, the legislation represents hope for people still trapped in abusive relationships.
“The abuse became worse and worse, to the point I had to leave because I was going to be killed,” Cope said.
She hopes the new protections encourage victims to seek help.
“I’m hoping that with everything that’s going on today, that it will draw strength in those living and hiding it, and they can come out and say, ‘You know what, no more,'” she said.
‘My babies were murdered’
Jennie Carter has spent nearly two decades advocating for stronger domestic violence laws after losing her two children.
Jennie Carter has spent nearly two decades advocating for stronger domestic violence laws after losing her two children. (WPEC)
In December 2006, investigators said Carter’s ex-husband picked up their children — 10-year-old Nelson and 8-year-old Crystal — for what was supposed to be a shopping trip. Instead, authorities said he barricaded the former family home, turned on the gas and set it on fire. Crystal was also stabbed while trying to escape, investigators said. Crystal died at the scene, Nelson died the following day from smoke inhalation, and their father also died in the fire.
Carter has said her ex-husband repeatedly violated a protective order before the killings.
Speaking Wednesday while wearing a necklace bearing photos of Nelson and Crystal, Carter said she hopes their story prevents another family from experiencing the same loss.
“My babies were murdered. My son was 10 years old, and my daughter was eight years old,” Carter said. “I’m here, standing and always advocating and fighting to make sure that my story does not repeat itself, that it stops right here.”
She said victims are often at their greatest risk when trying to leave an abusive relationship.
“The most dangerous time is when you leave the house,” Carter said. “I want those families to know that the system is going to protect them.”
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‘One of the most dangerous calls’
Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jeremy Campbell said domestic violence remains one of the most dangerous calls deputies respond to.
“Domestic violence is one of the most dangerous calls that law enforcement and fire rescue respond to on a daily basis,” Campbell said. “It’s a repeated call for service, and it wears on us tremendously.”
Tendrich said she believes the coalition of survivors, law enforcement, advocates and lawmakers behind the legislation will have a lasting impact.
“Today, because of that coalition, Florida is stronger, survivors have greater protection, and offenders face greater accountability, and I truly believe lives will be saved.”