For years, many women were too afraid or too overwhelmed to seek a divorce from abusive partners. Louisiana is one of the latest states —Arizona and Utah are the other two, with Oklahoma and Alabama laws being worked on now — to help rectify that. Governor Bobby Jindal has signed into law a bill that designates domestic abuse as immediate grounds for divorce in the state.
"Domestic violence is a tragedy that has plagued our society for too long," said Jindal. "Sadly, too many victims of domestic violence live throughout Louisiana. I am pleased to sign this legislation that will toughen current law to help protect victims from further abuse and increase penalties for criminals who commit these terrible acts of violence."
The law was brought to the state by Representative Helena N. Moreno, who said the measures will hold domestic violence offenders accountable and protect the victims. One of the main issues is the fact that the murder rate for women in Louisiana is twice the national average.
"We clearly have a problem," Moreno said.
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Jindal enacts domestic violence laws (Leesville Daily Leader)