Law Enforcement Lethality Assessments: 12 Questions Police Must Ask When Responding To Domestic Violence Calls In Fort Lauderdale
Domestic violence is about domination, manipulation, and control. As aggressive behavior escalates, the abuser is likely to downplay the situation and attempt to shift blame, making the victim think that they are the ones at fault. Unfortunately, this can make it harder to break free and hinders the efforts of those who may try to help.
Law enforcement faces pressure in terms of how they respond to these calls. Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto explains how a new law requires the police to ask victims a series of questions to determine the severity of the situation and whether additional help is needed.
12 Questions That Assess The Risk Of Domestic Violence In Fort Lauderdale
Domestic violence is a serious public health threat. The National Institutes of Health warns that it impacts millions of people and claims the lives of more than 200 Florida residents each year. Florida House Bill 279 is designed to reduce the risks by requiring police who respond to domestic violence calls to conduct lethality assessments. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the bill in April 2024, which went into effect on July 1. The following are the 12 questions law enforcement officials must now ask victims:
- Did your partner ever use or threaten to use a weapon against you?
- Did they ever threaten to kill you or your children?
- Do you believe your partner will try to kill you?
- Have they ever choked you or attempted it?
- Do they own a gun or have easy access to one?
- Is your partner violently or constantly jealous or in control of your daily activities?
- Have you left or separated from them before?
- Are they unemployed?
- To the best of your knowledge, have they ever attempted suicide?
- If you have children, does your partner doubt whether they are the biological parent?
- Have they ever followed, spied on, or left threatening messages for you?
- Is there anything else that causes you to be concerned for your safety?
Protecting The Safety Of Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Victims
Under the Florida Statutes, domestic violence is a serious crime, but victims are often intimidated and may fear attempting to get the help they need. Law enforcement assessments can help make this difficult situation a little easier and may prevent potentially life-threatening harm.
Depending on the answers to the above questions, officers may refer victims to domestic violence shelters and other support services. The new law also requires them to advise victims on other ways to protect their safety, including filing a criminal complaint against the abuser and seeking an Injunction for Protection Against Domestic Violence, otherwise known as a restraining order.
Request A Confidential Consultation Today With Our Fort Lauderdale Domestic Violence Lawyer
Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto provides the caring support and professional legal representation you need to protect yourself in abusive situations. Unfortunately, domestic violence can prove deadly. Contact our office today and request a confidential consultation with our Fort Lauderdale domestic violence lawyer.
Sources:
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493194/#:~:text=Domestic%20violence%20is%20a%20serious,200%20deaths%20in%20Florida%20alone.
flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2024/729/BillText/c2/PDF
