New Connecticut Law Protects the Safety of Domestic Violence Victims

 Posted on July 29, 2025 in Criminal Defense

Issues related to domestic violence are a concern for law enforcement officials, government agencies, and lawmakers. There are numerous actions that may be considered domestic violence, and when someone has been accused of threatening members of their family or household or engaging in domestic abuse, they could be arrested and charged with a crime. The legal system also addresses victims of domestic violence, taking steps to protect their safety when necessary. Under a new law that has gone into effect in Connecticut, additional protections may be provided.

People who have been charged with offenses related to domestic violence will need to understand what steps to take as they address these criminal charges. An attorney who has a comprehensive understanding of the laws that apply in these situations can help a person determine the best defense strategies. A criminal defense lawyer can also make sure that a person does not commit any violations that could lead to additional charges or complications to their case.

New Law Limits Access to Information About Domestic Violence Shelters

In some cases involving domestic violence, victims may flee from their homes and take steps to protect themselves, their children, or other family members against threats to their safety and well-being. These situations can be difficult for victims of long-term abuse, since they may have limited financial resources, and they may be unsure about the options available to them. For people in these circumstances, domestic violence shelters provided by state agencies or private organizations can offer safety. They can not only protect family members from further abuse, but they can also allow a victim to take steps toward financial independence so that they can meet the ongoing needs of themselves and their loved ones.

Privacy is also crucial for those who receive services from a domestic violence shelter. If an abuser discovers the whereabouts of their victim, they could commit further acts of abuse. These situations have the potential to be very serious, since abusers who are enraged may cause serious harm, or they could even commit murder. Because of these risks, the law includes protections meant to keep the locations of domestic violence shelters secret.

Connecticut has passed a law meant to strengthen the protections for victims who stay in domestic violence shelters. Previously, the law stated that public agencies were not required to disclose information about the locations of shelters, even in cases where Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests had been filed. However, this left the door open for this information to be disclosed if personnel at an agency believed that doing so was necessary. Under the new law, public agencies are explicitly prohibited from making these types of disclosures. 

The purpose of the law and the protections provided to victims of domestic violence is to prevent future acts of violence or abuse. Because of the approach taken by law enforcement in these cases, people who have been charged with offenses related to domestic violence will need to be sure to avoid any actions that may violate the law. Attempts to locate an alleged victim of domestic violence could lead to additional charges or harsher penalties, even if a person believes that they are trying to repair a relationship or if they are concerned about the safety and well-being of their children or other family members. If an order of protection has been issued, it is important to follow its terms, regardless of whether an alleged offender believes that the accusations against them are false.

Contact Our Connecticut Domestic Violence Defense Lawyers

Because of the penalties associated with domestic violence charges, legal representation is crucial for anyone who has been accused of this type of offense. At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, our Hartford domestic violence attorneys can provide guidance on the best steps to take in these cases. We can help defend against an order of protection, address concerns related to family relationships, and work to avoid a criminal conviction. We will also focus on protecting the safety and well-being of everyone involved so that our clients will be able to maintain positive family relationships in the future. Contact us today at 860-290-8690 to set up a free consultation and get the legal help you need in these difficult situations.