Brown Releases Domestic Violence Reduction Plan

By ADAM BEDNAR

Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown released a 10-point plan for reducing domestic violence and sexual assault in Maryland earlier this week in Columbia.

Brown, who is running for governor, announced the plan Wednesday, it's called "Our Path to Zero", and touted the state’s accomplishments reducing domestic violence during his seven years as lieutenant governor, according to a news release. 

"Too many families have been devastated by domestic violence, including mine when my cousin Cathy was shot and killed by her estranged boyfriend five years ago," Brown said in the news release. "We can’t bring these victims back, but we can honor their memories by working each and every day to make sure no more Marylanders fall victim to abusers."

Brown’s proposals including establishing a $5 million innovation fund to address the issue, making it easier to obtain a protective order and increasing penalties for those who commit domestic violence.

But Attorney General Doug Gansler, who is also running for the Democratic nomination for governor, and Del. Jolene Ivey, who is running for lieutenant governor with Gansler, were critical of Brown’s previous efforts to address domestic violence.

Their campaign issued a news release accusing Brown of pulling legislation regarding domestic violence when he served in the House of Delegates in return for political favors.

"He traded buddying up to the chairman over protecting the victims of domestic violence. The women and families of Maryland will not let him get away with standing here today to pontificate about domestic violence when his past shows he abused our trust on this issue," Ivey said in the news release.