DC Officials Outline Legislation to Protect Domestic Violence Survivors, Crack Down on Abusers

DC officials outline legislation to protect domestic violence survivors, crack down on abusers

D.C. officials are hoping to increase protections for survivors of domestic violence and toughen the consequences for abusers. The Protecting Victims Act of 2026 would strengthen the enforcement of court orders to protect victims, strengthen pretrial detention of domestic violence offenders, enhance accountability for offenders and protect victim and survivor privacy, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who announced the legislation Friday alongsi…

District Links: Bowser, Pirro unveil legislation to address rise in domestic violence; Allen bill would enable autonomous vehicles in DC; and more

With domestic violence accounting for a growing share of homicides and assaults with a dangerous weapon in the District, Mayor Muriel Bowser and U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro today announced new legislation to enhance protections for survivors and penalties for offenders.

Pirro and Bowser pair up to protect survivors as domestic violence increases

Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser is partnering with U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro to urge the D.C. Council to pass increased protections for domestic violence victims. The two district leaders said their proposed legislation, the Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026, is due to the increasing number of domestic violence-related assault with a dangerous weapon charges throughout the city. They framed the act as a way of intervening…