Stanfield Bill that Would Expand ‘VINE’ for Domestic Violence Victims Clears Committee

Legislation sponsored by Senator Jean Stanfield that would require domestic violence victims to be notified through the Victim Information and Notification Everyday System (VINE) cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday.

"Just as the VINE system has been put in place to ensure the rights and safety of crime victims, so too should the rights and safety of domestic violence victims be ensured," said Stanfield (R-8). "This legislation will help support survivors of domestic violence as they work to rebuild their lives. As they go through this difficult process, the least we can do is give them some peace of mind."

Under the current VINE system, crime victims are notified when a defendant is released from custody. Stanfield's bill, S-1710, would expand the use of VINE to include domestic violence victims on whose behalf a restraining order has been entered.

The legislation would also require victims of domestic violence to be notified when the status of the person subject to the restraining order has changed. This includes when the person is released from custody, discharged or transferred from custody, or released on bail.

Under Stanfield's bill, the victim's location would remain confidential and not appear on any documents or records to which the defendant would have access.