Tierne’s Law receives final approval
In the wake of Tierne Ewing’s murder Aug. 30, 2016, in a West Finley Township barn, a law was passed Wednesday in Harrisburg that may keep other victims of domestic violence from a similar fate.
Tierne’s Law, sponsored by state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, R-Carroll Township, which received final approval in the state Senate Wednesday, allows magisterial district judges to use a risk assessment when determining bail in domestic violence cases.
Tierne Ewing’s estranged husband, Kevin, was facing a host of domestic violence charges when he abducted her at gunpoint. They both died in what state police termed a murder-suicide.
Bartolotta said in a phone interview one amendment added when her bill was considered by the House of Representatives added strangulation to the list of offenses for which a police officer has the power to arrest without a warrant when there is probable cause in a domestic violence case.
She introduced the legislation last year.
“I would like the governor to come out to the district to sign the legislation,” Bartolotta said, so Tierne Ewing’s family members, friends and those who work to end domestic violence can be present. If that can’t be arranged, Bartolotta plans to invite Tierne Ewing’s parents, Annelle and Richard Dennis Kopko, to be her guests in the state Capitol for the signing.
“It’s really been a long haul,” Bartolotta continued. “It’s not a cure-all for domestic violence victims, but it’s a new tool to help victims feel a little bit safer when they press charges. This risk assessment tool will be in place if there’s a lethality risk. I’m thrilled it’s going to be on the governor’s desk.”
Another six bills related to domestic violence sent to the House for consideration were Senate bills that:
- Make it easier for domestic violence victims to remove the name of an abuser from a shared telephone plan.
- Ensure that law enforcement protection is available to a victim before or while protection-from-abuse orders are being served.
- Removes third-party safekeeping as an option for a domestic violence defendant ordered by the court to relinquish firearms.
- Make it easier for the court to extend a PFA order when an abuser is released from custody.
- Allow domestic violence victims who live in public housing to be relocated to another unit.
- Amend the state Constitution, creating a crime victims’ “Bill of Rights.”
Risk-assessment tools have proven to be effective in predicting an abuser’s odds of re-offending and creating a dangerous circumstance for victims, Bartolotta said.
Kevin Ewing had been arrested a few weeks prior to the kidnapping for domestic violence and other offenses, but was granted bail in spite of the prosecutor’s request for bail to be raised or revoked.
Domestic violence played a role in 102 homicides in 2016, including eight in the counties Bartolotta represents.