Domestic violence bill signed into law

Thursday, May 11, 2006

Victims of domestic violence throughout Maryland will soon have added protection, thanks to a four-year effort by Sen. Alex X. Mooney of Frederick.

A bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly this legislative session and signed into law by Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. (R) on May 2 provides address confidentiality for victims of domestic violence.

Mooney (R-Dist. 3) is seeking a third term in Senate this fall. He has introduced the legislation every year since 2002; it will take effect in October.

‘‘I’m really so excited,” Mooney said. ‘‘For me it’s a very important achievement. I’m really passionate about domestic violence issues ... I put this bill in four years in a row and I refused to give up protecting victims of domestic violence.”

The legislation was also introduced in the House by Del. Christopher B. Shank (R) of Washington County. Mooney serves both Frederick and Washington counties.

The bill gives victims of domestic violence the option of keeping their addresses private. The victim must first go to court to obtain a restraining order from a judge against the abuser. Once that is done, the victim signs a special waiver and release allowing his or her home address to go to the Maryland Secretary of State only. All mail is sent to the secretary’s office, then forwarded to the victim.

‘‘No one can get [the victim’s] address without a court order,” Mooney said. ‘‘Even the police have to get a court order.”

Roughly a dozen other states have this program in place, including North Carolina and Washington.

‘‘I read about this program four years ago in North Carolina and I thought what a good idea,” Mooney said. ‘‘It’s a no-brainer.”

The new legislation is getting support from a domestic violence shelter in Frederick.

‘‘I think anytime you can keep an address confidential is a benefit,” said Barbara R. Martin, CEO of Heartly House. ‘‘Anything that expands protection for our clients is beneficial.”

Heartly House provides emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse, and also provides address confidentiality.

Martin would like to see Mooney’s bill eventually expanded to include address protection for victims of rape and stalking.