On this episode, I discussed the important issue of Domestic Violence with Maryland Delegate Angela M. Angel. Delegate Angel currently represents the 25th District of Prince George’s County in the Maryland General Assembly. Elected in 2014, Angela serves on the Health Government and Operations Committee and is Vice Chair of the Bi-County Subcommittee of the Prince George’s County House Delegation. A survivor of domestic violence, Delegate Angel has made it her mission to pass the Domestic Violence bill in the state of Maryland.
Domestic Violence (HB227) – Education and Definition of Abuse: this bill expands the definition of abuse to include harassment—including written and electronic harassment—and malicious destruction of property, including destroying or defacing property. It also requires the State Board of Education to encourage County Boards of Education to incorporate age-appropriate lessons on domestic violence in addition to existing dating violence, diabetes, and dental health education.
Background Information
People all over the Washington, D.C. region were shocked and saddened to hear of the two lives that were recently lost in a tragic shooting in Woodbridge, Va., including the suspect’s wife, Crystal Hamilton. The officers became victims themselves when they arrived at the Hamilton home. That’s when Crystal’s husband, the suspect, allegedly shot three officers, killing Officer Ashley Guindon (who was on the first day of her job) and wounding the others.
The loss of Crystal’s life is a painful reminder of why more laws need to be passed to prevent tragedies like this one from happening. Delegate Angela Angel, D-Prince George’s, is leading the way in expanding the definition of “abuse” to protect victims of domestic violence.
Please support this cause on social media by using the hashtag #HB1396 #ItsAbuseToo.
Delegate Angel’s Twitter handle is @mdadvocateangel.
Dr. Yashima Talks Domestic Violence w/ Maryland Delegate Angela M. Angel was originally published on praisedc.com
