§ 12-29-1. Legislative purpose.
(a) The purpose of this chapter is to recognize the importance of domestic violence as
a serious crime against society and to assure victims of domestic violence the maximum
protection from abuse which the law and those who enforce the law can provide.
(b) While the legislature finds that the existing criminal statutes are adequate to provide
protection for victims of domestic violence, previous societal attitudes have been
reflected in policies and practices of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and
courts which have resulted in differing treatment of crimes occurring be
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§ 12-29-1. Legislative purpose.
(a) The purpose of this chapter is to recognize the importance of domestic violence as
a serious crime against society and to assure victims of domestic violence the maximum
protection from abuse which the law and those who enforce the law can provide.
(b) While the legislature finds that the existing criminal statutes are adequate to provide
protection for victims of domestic violence, previous societal attitudes have been
reflected in policies and practices of law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and
courts which have resulted in differing treatment of crimes occurring between family
or household members and of the same crimes occurring between strangers. Only recently
has public perception of the serious consequences of domestic violence to society
and to the victims led to the recognition of the necessity for early intervention
by law enforcement agencies.
(c) It is the intent of the legislature that the official response to cases of domestic
violence shall stress the enforcement of the laws to protect the victim and shall
communicate the attitude that violent behavior is not excused or tolerated. Furthermore,
it is the intent of the legislature that criminal laws be enforced without regard
to whether the persons involved are or were married, cohabitating, or involved in
a relationship.