Safer Communities

As a doctor, I have seen first-hand the devastating aftermath of trauma and abuse. I am ready to address this crisis—not just with words but with bold new ideas and concrete action. I will fundamentally change how the government confronts domestic violence and sexual assault by addressing three key priorities: the criminal justice system, recidivism and escalation, and victims’ rights and services. I will invest in the criminal justice system by funding prosecutors in state district attorney’s offices who will specialize in DVSA cases and victim advocates who will also serve in district attorney’s offices and will focus on serving DVSA victims by helping them navigate the criminal justice system. I will incentivize states to increase sentences for domestic violence offenders with a pattern of escalating violence and for offenders who commit domestic violence in the presence of children. Also, I will use an evidence-based approach to lower recidivism and protect victims. I support the creation of GPS location programs to monitor high risk domestic violence and sexual assault offenders, which in some states has been shown to reduce violent crime by 95% among participants in the program. I will also close the “boyfriend loophole” that allows convicted domestic abusers to purchase firearms and improve information sharing among states to improve the NICS database.

Finally, I seek to create better outcomes for victims as they navigate the criminal justice system and rebuild their lives after abuse. I will work to create new programs within the federal government that guarantee housing and childcare assistance for low-income survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. Additionally, I will work to expand the Legal Assistance for Victims program to guarantee victims the right to an attorney. By ensuring victims have access to housing, childcare assistance, and legal counsel, we address the top challenges victims face in leaving an abuser.