Domestic Violence Killings Targeted Cda Attorney To Chair New Panel That Will Draft Tougher Laws

Nearly half of Idaho’s homicides last year were the result of domestic violence, says Idaho Attorney General Al Lance, who appointed a task force to establish tougher laws against battery at home.

“Of the 35 homicides committed last year in Idaho, 15 were domestic violence-related,” he said.

From July 1, 1993, to June 30, 1994, Idaho’s 20 domestic violence shelters and safe homes fielded 12,751 crisis calls and sheltered 782 adult victims. At the same time, 1,229 Idaho children were protected from a batterer at home.

“This situation must be reversed,” the Republican said.

Janet Jenkins, a Coeur d’Alene attorney and former Idaho legislator, will chair the task force.

Also serving are Celia Heady of Nampa, executive director of the Idaho Council on Domestic Violence; Rep. Robbi King, R-Glenns Ferry; Sen. Shiela Sorensen, R-Boise; J. Scott James, the attorney general office’s criminal division chief; Ada County Sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Lakey Jr.; Bonneville County Prosecutor Dave Johnson; Canyon County victimwitness coordinator Denise Hines; and Illena Renfrow, citizen-at-large from Fairfield.

Lance said the panel will build on legislation he authored, toughening domestic violence statutes. It established a system to evaluate a batterer’s aggression and requires appropriate counseling and treatment to prevent more attacks.