Maryland advocate weighs in on Florida’s Gabby Petito Act bill
In a significant stride towards curbing domestic violence, the state of Florida is on the brink of implementing the Gabby Petito Act, Senate Bill 610, which mandates a lethality assessment for first responders. According to the Maryland Network Against Domestic Violence (MNADV), the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) has been a pivotal tool in preventing deadly outcomes since its inception in 2005.
MNADV’s LAP Administrator, Darrell Holly, emphasized that the assessment, consisting of 11 research-backed questions, is more than just a checklist. “The life-saving measure is connecting a victim to services. What we found is that the sooner you can connect a victim to services, the likelihood of the violence or the potential for homicide decreases significantly,” he stated.
Florida’s proposed legislation aligns with this approach, seeking to ensure that first responders are equipped with an evidence-based form approved by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The creation of this form will involve collaboration with the Department of Justice, Florida Department of Children Families (DCF), state advocates, and state and local law enforcement.
Crucially, the proposed bill emphasizes the necessity of proper education for officers on how to effectively use the assessment tool. Holly stressed the significance of training, stating, “Training is an important component to this piece because if we’re just giving people questionnaires to read, they’re not understanding what these questions mean.”
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While the Gabby Petito Act brings optimism for enhanced domestic violence intervention, there’s a nuanced concern within the current proposal. Holly expressed reservations about the absence of provisions to fortify staffing and resources for domestic violence support groups in Florida. This oversight may inadvertently strain existing support systems, potentially negating the intended positive impact of the bill.
Holly cautioned, “Because when you have an assessment tool, the likelihood of an increase in calls is significant, right? So, you have a DV program that may not have the capacity to field the calls that they are already getting. Increasing that volume of calls can be problematic to the DV agency as well as detrimental to a victim/survivor.”
The Gabby Petito Act draws attention to the broader issue of domestic violence, shedding light on the alarming statistics provided by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. With 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men experiencing some form of intimate partner violence, the urgency to implement effective measures becomes paramount.
As Florida navigates the path towards implementing this crucial legislation, stakeholders stress the importance of a comprehensive approach. Beyond the assessment tool, addressing resource gaps and ensuring support structures can adequately handle increased demand will be crucial in realizing the Gabby Petito Act’s potential for positive change.
The proposed legislation represents a proactive step in the right direction, emphasizing the state’s commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents. As the bill undergoes scrutiny and potential amendments, the focus remains on fostering a holistic framework that not only identifies potential risks but also provides robust support systems to those affected by domestic violence.
