The Florida House has unanimously passed House Bill 277, known as the Domestic Emergency and Batterers Reform and Accountability Act, which aims to enhance penalties for repeat offenders and protect victims of domestic violence.State Rep. Debra Tendrich emphasized the importance of survivor voices in leading the way for reform. “If we want victims to become survivors, then survivors’ voices must lead the way,” Tendrich said.Tendrich noted that many existing laws have been built around the abuser rather than the victim.”When I talk to people across the state, and I tell them I’m working on domestic violence reform…they’re like it’s about time. One of the things I really want people to understand is a lot of these laws were really built around the abuser, not the victim,” she said.Originally, Tendrich advocated for a statewide GPS monitoring system to alert victims when perpetrators are within 500 feet. However, she will start with a GPS pilot program in certain counties.”The reason that’s so important is because when victims leave their abusers, the restraining order is only as good as the piece of paper it’s on, and protections should not expire at the courthouse door. In fact, if you’re looking at a restraining order, this doesn’t shield a bullet. And when victims leave, this is the most dangerous time,” Tendrich said. She explained that implementing the GPS system statewide requires a master plan, so the focus will be narrowed going forward.”We found out through discovery with talking to the different counties and stakeholders, that we could not actually implement this statewide without creating a master plan. So, what we’re doing is we’re going to actually create a narrow focus and implement and get some data while we work with a statewide stakeholder to make sure that we do it right the first time, because the last thing we want is to implement it and it’s not effective,” Tendrich said.The bill also includes a relocation allowance of $2,500 for victims, with the lifetime relocation allowance increased from $3,000 to $5,000. Additional changes to the legislation include protections for military families and pets.Tendrich said, “This actually strengthens coordination around military protective orders by allowing them to be considered when a civilian injunction is sought. It also improves communication between civilian and military law enforcement when violations are suspected.”She highlighted the importance of including threats or cruelty to animals in protection injunctions.”A lot of times, the abuser will threaten or harm the animals and sometimes they will die before the victim can actually leave. For instance, this will allow threats or cruelty to animals, including emotional support and service animals, to be included in the injunctions for protection. So, what is happening now a victim can now include their animals, and it will take away that power of the abuser saying if you leave, I’ll kill your dog,” said Tendrich.House Bill 277 is set to be heard in the Senate this week, and Tendrich is optimistic about its passage.”People want change. People are invested in making sure that these protections and these laws are put in place. We absolutely have to make sure that every gap in the Florida Statute is closed, and we have all the tools in our toolbox to make sure that can carry out the best care, make sure domestic violence is handled to the best of our abilities,” Tendrich said.
, Fla. —
The Florida House has unanimously passed House Bill 277, known as the Domestic Emergency and Batterers Reform and Accountability Act, which aims to enhance penalties for repeat offenders and protect victims of domestic violence.
State Rep. Debra Tendrich emphasized the importance of survivor voices in leading the way for reform. “If we want victims to become survivors, then survivors’ voices must lead the way,” Tendrich said.
Tendrich noted that many existing laws have been built around the abuser rather than the victim.
“When I talk to people across the state, and I tell them I’m working on domestic violence reform…they’re like it’s about time. One of the things I really want people to understand is a lot of these laws were really built around the abuser, not the victim,” she said.
Originally, Tendrich advocated for a statewide GPS monitoring system to alert victims when perpetrators are within 500 feet. However, she will start with a GPS pilot program in certain counties.
“The reason that’s so important is because when victims leave their abusers, the restraining order is only as good as the piece of paper it’s on, and protections should not expire at the courthouse door. In fact, if you’re looking at a restraining order, this doesn’t shield a bullet. And when victims leave, this is the most dangerous time,” Tendrich said.
She explained that implementing the GPS system statewide requires a master plan, so the focus will be narrowed going forward.
“We found out through discovery with talking to the different counties and stakeholders, that we could not actually implement this statewide without creating a master plan. So, what we’re doing is we’re going to actually create a narrow focus and implement and get some data while we work with a statewide stakeholder to make sure that we do it right the first time, because the last thing we want is to implement it and it’s not effective,” Tendrich said.
The bill also includes a relocation allowance of $2,500 for victims, with the lifetime relocation allowance increased from $3,000 to $5,000. Additional changes to the legislation include protections for military families and pets.
Tendrich said, “This actually strengthens coordination around military protective orders by allowing them to be considered when a civilian injunction is sought. It also improves communication between civilian and military law enforcement when violations are suspected.”
She highlighted the importance of including threats or cruelty to animals in protection injunctions.
“A lot of times, the abuser will threaten or harm the animals and sometimes they will die before the victim can actually leave. For instance, this will allow threats or cruelty to animals, including emotional support and service animals, to be included in the injunctions for protection. So, what is happening now a victim can now include their animals, and it will take away that power of the abuser saying if you leave, I’ll kill your dog,” said Tendrich.
House Bill 277 is set to be heard in the Senate this week, and Tendrich is optimistic about its passage.
“People want change. People are invested in making sure that these protections and these laws are put in place. We absolutely have to make sure that every gap in the Florida Statute is closed, and we have all the tools in our toolbox to make sure that can carry out the best care, make sure domestic violence is handled to the best of our abilities,” Tendrich said.