OKLAHOMA STATE SENATE / From the desk of Sen. Jessica Garvin
This is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, an issue that sadly and, often times, silently plagues many in our local communities. According to the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI), there are around 25,000 reports of domestic violence annually in our state.
The World Population Review recently ranked Oklahoma first in the nation for domestic violence after their study found more than 49% of women and nearly 41% of men are currently being victimized or have experienced domestic abuse at some point in their life. Tragically, Oklahoma also ranked third nationally for the number of women killed by men.
The Oklahoma Domestic Violence Fatality Review Task Force has found that a significant percentage of all Oklahoma homicides are linked to domestic violence and the YWCA reports that about one-third of all women murdered here annually are killed by their husbands.
While we still have much more work ahead of us, many new laws have been passed in recent years to better protect victims and hold abusers accountable. This session, we approved one to help victims secure new housing faster by requiring public utilities and municipally owned utility providers to waive the initial credit and deposit requirements for victims. Those seeking a waiver must provide a protective order, a certification letter from a law enforcement officer or a domestic violence shelter or program as validation. The waiver is good for 90 days to help them get on their feet. Being able to escape and secure housing quickly is imperative to victims’ safety and that of their children.
Another new law increases the punishment for domestic abuse committed knowingly against a pregnant woman to a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to five years.
Studies have also found a strong correlation between strangulation in domestic violence leading to murder. Strangulation victims are 750% more likely to be murdered than other victims, so we passed legislation removing the requirement that someone committing assault by strangulation intended to cause great bodily harm. This provides that this type of assault qualifies for the punishments currently provided for in statute.
Besides having the highest rate of domestic violence, we also have one of the highest rates of partner stalking. Stats have shown that up to 83% of women murdered in Oklahoma were stalked first so this is another area of law that needed to be strengthened. Last year, we increased the penalty for stalking from a misdemeanor to a felony. It also increases the fine and imprisonment up to three years, as well as additional punishments for second and third offenses, which is extremely common.
The statistics can’t be ignored. We must find ways to stop the violence and protect people in abusive relationships. If you or someone you know is in a domestic violence situation, there are many resources available to get help. If you’re in immediate danger, always call 911. You can also call your local police department and file a report. It’s very important to have the abuse on record to protect yourself. Another resource is the Oklahoma Safeline at 1-800-522-7233(SAFE) or the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233.
If you have any questions or concerns on legislative matters, please contact me at the Capitol. You can write to Senator Jessica Garvin, State Capitol, 2300 N. Lincoln Blvd. Room 237, Oklahoma City, OK, 73105, email me at [email protected] or call 405-521-5522.
