Domestic violence is incredibly prevalent in the United States. In New Jersey there are thousands of domestic violence victims each year, both men and women. One New Jersey family is working to establish a law that will help people determine if their significant other has a history of domestic violence.
The family of a New Jersey woman who was killed by her boyfriend is hoping to lobby the New Jersey legislature to establish a domestic violence offender registry. Misty Ramos was killed in 2011 in a domestic violence incident with her boyfriend. Prior to her murder, she told her family that she thought something was off with him and had caught him in several lies. It wasn’t until after her murder that her family found out that he had served time in prison for a brutal attack on a previous girlfriend. After Misty’s death, her family came up with the idea to start a domestic violence offender registry. The registry would list repeat violent offenders in hopes that the number of domestic violence victims would decrease.
Families who are affected by domestic violence can be scared, frustrated and suffer from emotional distress. Restraining orders can help protect families from abuse. It is important for those suffering from domestic violence to know what their legal rights are and to do whatever it takes to keep themselves and their family safe.
Domestic violence creates emotional distress and can severely harm family units. Laws protecting victims can help prevent more instances of this common crime.
Source: NJ.com, “Family of slain Bordentown woman lobby for creation of repeat domestic violence offender database,” Jenna Pizzi, Jan. 5, 2014
