SENATE MEMORIAL 43

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Mary Jane M. Garcia

A MEMORIAL

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY TO DEVELOP A UNIFORM DOMESTIC ABUSE REPORT FORM.

     WHEREAS, the survey of violence victimization in New Mexico, conducted in 2005, found that one in four New Mexicans are victims of domestic violence at least once in their lifetime; and

     WHEREAS, the study also identified seventeen thousand one hundred seventy-seven stalking victims who experienced two hundred forty-five thousand six hundred thirty-one stalking incidents in that same year; and

     WHEREAS, studies have shown that domestic violence rates are as high, and sometimes higher, in rural areas as they are in urban centers; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is a state with a diverse population; and

     WHEREAS, a variety of traditions and customs are observed within the state; and

     WHEREAS, in order to better understand and respond to the dangers of, and the harms caused by, domestic violence and stalking, a uniform reporting system is needed; and

     WHEREAS, a uniform domestic abuse report form that is used by all law enforcement agencies across the state would improve the information gathered in domestic violence cases, improve investigations and encourage professionalism within the law enforcement agencies; and

     WHEREAS, a uniform domestic abuse report form should be developed by the department of public safety, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies statewide, to assist in protecting public safety and to provide for better management, greater coordination and more efficient use of resources in the response to domestic violence in New Mexico;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the department of public safety be requested to develop, in consultation with local law enforcement agencies statewide, a standard domestic abuse report form to be used by law enforcement officers when investigating or making an arrest for a violation of the Crimes Against Household Members Act, the Harassment and Stalking Act or a similar municipal or county ordinance; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the department of public safety report its progress to the appropriate interim legislative committee no later than October 2010; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the secretary of public safety.

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