Law shields domestic violence victims

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Governor Donald Carcieri signed legislation Monday that will protect the victims of domestic violence and their families.

RI State Rep. Elaine Coderre and State Sen. Maryellen Goodwin sponsored the legislation drawn up by Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis. The legislation makes it harder for perpetrators to track down their victims. People who flee their abusers often move in with family or friends. This new law exempts the home address of voters who live with victims of domestic violence from open records disclosure.

"We are preventing perpetrators from using the voter registration information of people living with victims to uncover their address." said Mollis. "We should not allow abusers to continue to control victims by forcing their support network to choose between voting and protecting their loved ones."

"As a parent of 4 children and a grandparent of 14, I know how important it is for a home to be a peaceful, caring, supportive place. Unfortunately, too many Rhode Islanders do not live in a household that is free from violence and cruelty." said Governor Carcieri.

The legislation was supported by the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which represents six member agencies. As well as Sisters Overcoming Abusive Relationships, a taskforce of survivors.