Domestic Violence

Connecticut lawmakers have created a new task force on domestic violence and asked state Reps. Mary Ann Carson and Clark Chapin and state Sen. Andrew Roraback to join the task force. The new task force holds its first meeting Nov. 30 at the state Capitol in Hartford.

According to published reports, five women were killed in Connecticut, another woman was kidnapped in downtown Hartford and held hostage for hours before escaping, and an eight-month-old girl was choked and stabbed, though she survived. All seven crimes have been connected to boyfriends, husbands and, in the last case, a father. All have been classified as domestic violence.

“Domestic violence should not happen to anyone,” said Rep. Carson. “Regrettably, it occurs far too often, and it is detrimental not only to battered spouses but also to children in the household. It can lead to a cycle of violence among the next generation.”

Rep. Carson added, “We need to review the programs that are currently available, from telephone hotlines to local family shelters, to be sure they are adequately addressing this problem.”

Rep. Carson, who already serves on the legislature’s Public Health, Program Review and Finance committees, said she was pleased to join the new task force, to help prevent this problem from occurring and assisting the victims.

Rep. Chapin said, “Unfortunately, domestic violence knows no boundaries and continues to be a serious problem in all communities. I look forward to working with a bipartisan group of legislators from across the state to examine what more can be done to reduce this problem and assist those involved.”

“The prevalence of domestic violence in Connecticut is a deeply disturbing reality,” said Sen. Roraback. “But it is a reality that I believe can change. It is my hope that this task force can immediately begin to examine ways to put an end to the cycle of violence. At the same time, we must also pay close attention to meeting the needs of the victims, many of whom are young children. I am eager to take on these challenges and I am proud to serve on this task force.”  

The task force will review domestic violence prevention programs and identify trends. The group will also advise the legislature on how to make it easier for victims to obtain and enforce restraining orders against their abusers.