KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City City Council voted to strengthen domestic violence laws. The sponsor behind the ordinance wants victims to feel safe. City Councilman Scott Taylor sponsored the ordinance and requested input from organizations like the Mattie Rhodes Center, which helps victims with counseling so they know first-hand what they go through.
With the council vote it makes processing protection orders go more quickly. The ordinance also doubles the fines for people who violate those orders. A violation of protection orders could lead to up to six months in jail or the maximum $1,000 fine. The ordinance also creates a violation if the batterer contacts the victim.
“I sponsored this ordinance on behalf of all women and children that have been victims of domestic violence,” Taylor said. “We need to hold batterers accountable more quickly.”
The Hope House, another organization that helps victims of domestic abuse has a Hotline people can call: 816.461.HOPE (4673).
