MS Improves Domestic Violence Laws

SOUTHAVEN, Miss. - Domestic violence victims will have more protection in Mississippi. The state has made changes to domestic violence law to give victims more access to court protection. This is the first re-write the law has seen in nearly 30 years.

Domestic advocates like Lorine Cady, Executive Director of the House of Grace in Southaven, say changes to Mississippi's domestic violence law are a long time coming.

"When we opened the house of grace we had to go to justice court and pay for and order or protection. Slowly that changed to free of charge, some constables wouldn't serve them because they weren't getting paid, but others strongly support our cause and will order them free of charge, or serve them on the abuser."

It's the first time changes have been made to the law since it was enacted in 1981.

In 2008, Desoto County saw an increase in domestic violence cases. In that same year, the Mississippi State Supreme Court ordered a commission to study the domestic violence laws at the request of Attorney General Jim Hood.

The DA's office said it wanted to improve it's response to domestic violence victims. One of the changes the commission made was how the courts operated.

According to Cady, "the city's court is not open everyday in Desoto County... that hampered the women in getting a real solution in a hurry to their situation."

Now thanks to recommendations from a commission appointed by the Mississippi Supreme Court, the new law will specify which courts will handle domestic violence cases everyday.

It will also extend protection orders from ten days to 30 days after a hearing.

In situations where children are involved, the temporary custody order is limited to 180 days instead of not having a time limit.

Cady says these are major strides in combating domestic violence, but there are still some major areas of concern, such as the availability of legal aid for victims in rural areas and transportation.

"From my driveway in Southaven to the square in oxford it's 73 miles," says Cady. "If a woman has no transportation, that is something that has really, really put her in a helpless and hopeless situation."

That's where organizations LIKE House of Grace come in to act as court advocates and counselors, and by providing shelter, food, a thrift store for victims to shop, and in most cases, bus tickets out of town.

But with all this help, Cady reminds us education about domestic violence is key.

"We have to educate women that help is available. In some rural counties they don't realize help is available," says Cady. "Always remember there is help out there and they can change their situation."

Changes to Mississippi's domestic violence laws will go into effect July 1st of this year.

House of Grace does have a 24 hour crisis line, that number is 662-342-1432.

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence and want more information about the house of grace and where to go for help, visit www.houseofgracedesoto.s5.com or email them at HouseofGrace1000@aol.com