Domestic violence is a crime, and it ought to be accorded the same prosecution efforts as any other violent offense. Communities and the justice system have a critical interest in reducing the prevalence of domestic violence, particularly because such violence tends to escalate in frequency and severity if unchecked. According to the U.S. Department of Justice National Crime Victimization Survey, more than 1,200 women were murdered by a current or former intimate in 2000.

In addition to holding criminals accountable for their conduct, there are other significant reasons that underscore the importance of a diligent response to domestic violence from members of the criminal justice system. Offender prosecution in domestic violence cases can protect the victim from additional acts of violence, reduce children’s exposure and possible injury, deter the abuser from committing further acts of violence and reinforce a community’s refusal to tolerate domestic abuse.

In 2000, the Missouri General Assembly established new crimes of domestic assault with enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.