Governor’s Weekly Message to Delawareans

(Newark, DE) In his weekly message, Governor Markell talks about Delawares new law that helps victims of domestic violence by strengthening Protection from Abuse Orders. The law extends “no contact” provisions and sets circumstances under which they can be extended for life (House Bill 336.)

“One of government’s primary functions is to protect its citizens," said Governor Markell. "No one who escapes from terrible situations should find themselves still living in fear of further violence. We want anyone who labors under the threat of violence to be able to get the protective order they need, for as long as they need it."

The bill’s prime sponsor was Representative Michael Barbieri (D-Newark) and co-sponsors included Senate Majority Leader Senator Patricia Blevins (D-Elsmere), Representative Deborah Hudson (R-Fairthorne) and Senate Minority Whip Senator Liane Sorenson (R-Hockessin). More than 16,000 criminal cases of domestic violence occur each year in Delaware with more than 90% of its victims women. One in four women are likely to be victims of domestic violence in their lifetime.