New Legislation to Provide Additional Protections for Victims of Domestic Violence
Friday, April 24, 2026
Bill strengthens policies and public outreach to curb increase in domestic violence
(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser, United States Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro, and District public safety leaders announced the Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026, new legislation aimed at protecting victims of domestic violence. The legislation includes measures to strengthen protections for survivors, enhance accountability measures against offenders, and protect privacy and safety. Although violent crime is down 5% in the District year-to-date, domestic violence-connected assault with a dangerous weapon charges have been increasing, making this bill a timely intervention to protect District residents and reverse a concerning trend.
“This legislation is about making sure that survivors are protected and that their safety and privacy are respected. It’s also about making sure that when someone needs help, they can trust that help will be there, and that when someone breaks the law, there are clear and consistent consequences,” said Mayor Bowser. “With the Protecting Victims Amendment Act, we want victims and survivors to know that we are here for them, and we want abusers to know that they will face swift and certain consequences.”
The Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026 builds on ongoing efforts across the District to close gaps in enforcement and ensure that court-issued protections are meaningful, enforceable, and responsive to the realities survivors face.
“Even as overall crime declines, the persistence of domestic violence—and the tragic rise in domestic violence homicides—underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement tools. Too often, these cases reflect repeated abuse, where prior incidents or pending charges did not stop further harm. The Protecting Victims Amendment Act will help ensure that the most dangerous offenders can be identified, detained when appropriate, and held fully accountable under the law,” said US Attorney Pirro. “My office remains committed to working alongside our law enforcement and community partners to intervene earlier and prevent violence before it escalates. With these additional tools, prosecutors and judges will be better positioned to protect survivors and prevent further tragedy.”
Key provisions of the Protecting Victims Amendment Act of 2026 include: