A new state law will take effect Thursday, creating a domestic violence registry to keep track of repeat offenders statewide.
Local Lawyer Dana Looper said Savanna’s Law identifies domestic violence as a pattern of behavior, not isolated incidents. Looper said the registry will include the offender’s name, photo, date of birth, and county of conviction. Looper said the registry provides a safeguard.
“Before you begin dating someone, or before you hire someone, you will look a that registry to see if that person has been found guilty of domestic violence,” Looper said. “So that way you’ve got more education rather than just blindly dating someone.”
Looper said one in four women experiences domestic violence in the state. Looper said the state has had nothing like this before and that the registry is necessary, as domestic violence has been a long-standing issue.
“Domestic violence is not a family matter like it often used to look like with law enforcement,” Looper said. “It is violence occurring in the home between loved ones, between family members, between former family members, and it often, sometimes, can lead to murder.”
Looper said past convictions can contribute to the time offenders spend on the registry. Looper said the registry will help hold offenders accountable, as they will be faced with public scrutiny for their behavior.
“If you’re found guilty of domestic violence and your name lands on the registry, maybe you’ll not commit domestic violence in the future just to get your name off,” Looper said.
Looper said this is a step in the right direction to deter domestic abuse, helping courts and law enforcement see patterns faster.
“It sends a message,” Looper said. “Repeat domestic violence is not invisible anymore.”
Looper said the registry will charge a $100 registration fee to offenders. The fee will fund family violence prevention grants and intervention services. Looper said the registry will not include a driver’s license, address, social security number, or driver’s license numbers.