Schimel Outlines Plan For Addressing Violence Against Women

Brad Schimel, the Republican candidate for state attorney general, said on Tuesday that if he’s elected he’ll make preventing violence against a women a top priority at the state Justice Department.

The Waukesha district attorney has laid out a detailed plan that includes new training for police who deal with domestic violence and sexual assault cases. Schimel also said he will also advocate for a Good Samaritan law that will protect victims or witnesses of sexual assaults on college campuses where date rape drugs were used.

Schimel’s plan for domestic violence prevention also includes reducing uncertainty for victims when they file a restraining order. Currently, the state does not require victims be notified when a temporary restraining order against an abuser is approved by the court.

“That leaves the victim in a very dangerous situation, not knowing that the offender now knows she’s sought out that order,” said Schimel. “As part of my proposed temporary restraining protocol reform, law enforcement will be required to immediately notify the victim that the service has been accomplished and then assist the victim in implementing a safety plan.”

The campaign of Schimel’s Democratic opponent, Jefferson County District Attorney Susan Happ, responded to the plan with the following emailed statement:

“It’s good that Brad Schimel has seen the light on sexual assaults on campus. We hope he will join with Susan Happ and begin fighting for a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions. The last thing a woman needs after being the victim of a sexual assault is to be lectured or restricted in her choices.”