New laws that enhance protections for domestic violence victims are now in effect in Arkansas. The new laws will allow police and prosecutors in the state to pursue domestic violence cases even if victims are unable or unwilling to file a complaint or testify against their abuser. The laws also require Arkansas police to conduct lethality assessments by asking domestic violence victims a series of questions to determine the victim’s risk of being killed. Additionally, Arkansas police must now give domestic violence victims cards that contain information on victim rights and services such as medical care, housing, counseling, financial assistance, legal assistance and emergency aid.
Compiled from: Janak, Sarah, Laws to curb domestic violence take effect Wednesday, Arkansas Online (July 21, 2015); Lyon, John, New laws addressing domestic violence take effect Wednesday, Arkansas News (July 20, 2015).