Panel aims to better define domestic abuse

Chair’s Note: Domestic Violence laws in South Dakota need help. The definitions aren’t clear enough to provide people with all the protections they might need. The South Dakota Legislature has been trying to fix this for the past two years but it has met some road blocks. One road block came last year with the legislation was amended to only provide couples of the opposite sex protections from domestic violence. But Democrats in Pierre wouldn’t let that slide. We believe in all South Dakotans being treated equally under our laws. With great legislators like Representative Karen Soli involved, we trust the panel discussions being held this summer will lead to more reasoned and inclusive legislation this coming session.