Helping Victims of Domestic Violence

Last year in committee, I heard an alarming statistic, Missouri has the third-highest rate in the nation of people who have experienced domestic violence. During the interim, I made it a priority to meet with stakeholders such as advocates, KCPD and the Special Victims Unit from the Jackson County Prosecuting Attorney’s office to better understand what we can and must do to address this horrific crime. 

That work led me to file Senate Bill 928 as my first bill this legislative session. Reducing domestic violence in Missouri must be a top priority. When our state ranks that high for such a devastating statistic, we have a responsibility to act.

On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee held a public hearing on SB 928, and I was proud to present the bill and welcome advocates and experts to testify in support of this legislation. There was no testimony in opposition during the hearing. This bill would streamline the order of protection process and remove the burden from survivors, reducing the risk of additional violence against victims, law enforcement, prosecutors and court officials. It also updates the legal definitions of assault and domestic violence to clear the way for more efficient prosecution and modernizes the law by including technology language to the definitions of stalking and harassing.

Missourians deserve to feel safe in their homes and communities. This legislation will strengthen protections, support survivors and ensure our laws reflect the realities victims face today. I remain committed to working with advocates to move this legislation forward and make meaningful progress for our state. 

I’m also excited to share that I have several colleagues standing ready to make sure we keep this bill moving. Next week, the Senator from the 24th District (St. Louis) and I will be conducting a press conference upon adjournment of the Senate on Thursday to promote these changes with the media. 

Contact Me

I always appreciate hearing your comments, opinions and concerns. Please feel free to contact me in Jefferson City at 573-751-6607. You may write me at Patty Lewis, Missouri Senate, State Capitol, Rm 425, Jefferson City, MO 65101, send an email to Patty.Lewis@senate.mo.gov or visit www.senate.mo.gov/Lewis.