Sen. Kissel Voices Support for Domestic Violence Legislation in Judiciary Committee

Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) speaks about the importance of Senate Bill 466 at a press conference earlier this legislative session

HARTFORD, Conn. – Today State Senator John A. Kissel (R-Enfield) voiced his support for domestic violence legislation as Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee at a public hearing. The legislation, Senate Bill 466 – An Act Concerning Dual Arrests and the Training Required of Law Enforcement Personnel with Respect to Domestic Violence, would add a dominant aggressor provision to the law in an effort to reduce Connecticut’s intimate partner violence dual arrest rate, which currently stands at more than twice the national average.

“Can you imagine being a victim of domestic abuse and finally working up the courage to call the police and then in-turn be placed under arrest yourself,” said Sen. Kissel, Co-Chair of the Judiciary Committee. “These dual arrests can have a devastating impact on a victim not only financially, but emotionally. The good news is we have the opportunity this legislative session to make changes to our current laws so that victims feel safe to call law enforcement when they are in danger, without fear of being arrested themselves.”

The bill calls for changing Connecticut’s family violence arrest law to clarify that, when receiving complaints from two or more opposing parties, law enforcement must determine which party is the dominant aggressor. Similar laws exist in 27 other states.

“The legislation is important, it protects women, it protects children and ultimately it helps protect Connecticut families,” said Sen. Kissel. “I look forward to continuing to support and co-sponsor this bipartisan bill as it makes its way through the legislative process.”