DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Action to support preventing initial and repeat occurrences of violence against spouses, domestic partners, the elderly, and children. - Action to support a strong statewide response to violence that is integrated, interdisciplinary, and adequately funded, involving all segments of the law-enforcement and judicial systems, the medical community, the schools, social services, animal care and control agencies, and the private sector, with a primary focus on the safety of victims. (2000)

The JUD Committee heard dramatic testimony on two bills briefly reported in RSC 1, both dealing with the surrender of firearms during the time of temporary Protective Orders and after a final PO.  Among those testifying in support wasAttorney General Anthony Brown who lost a family member in a DV killing.  Both bills are by Request of the Administration.

Governor O’Malley announced in October that he is likely to sponsor legislation requiring the surrender of all firearms by anyone subject to a final protective order limiting contact with an abused spouse or person.  Similar bills have been resisted by gun rights activist, but advocates for DV victims have expressed hope that the Governor’s involvement could lead to passage in the 2009 legislative session.  O’Malley signaled his intentions in a brief interv