Subcommittee pursues statutory fix to protect domestic-violence victims' addresses

The subcommittee discussed efforts to create a uniform, statewide practice that would protect domestic-violence victims’ addresses from disclosure in criminal files.

Gail Hardy said the recommendation is to establish a consistent process so victims can request that their addresses be protected from defendants in criminal cases. Kelly (first name only provided) said she met this morning with Judge Gold and with legal services, and that staff are working on proposed statutory language to allow a victim’s address to be sealed in the court file.

Kelly said sealing the address in the file requires a statutory change and noted the team is drafting language that could be included in a court-operations bill or advanced by the council’s external affairs staff. She described the measure as “in the home stretch” but said it still needs a few tweaks before formal submission.

Participants said they will continue to coordinate among judicial staff, legislative contacts and external-affairs personnel to identify the best vehicle for the language and to prepare any materials needed for the larger advisory council meeting.

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The co-chairs said they will report progress to the larger council and consult external affairs and legislative partners before advancing the proposed statutory language.