The Florida Senate’s Committee on Children, Families and Elder Affairs on Tuesday unanimously passed a bill aimed at dramatically curbing the growing problem of parental abuse in Florida.
Senator Geraldine Thompson (D-Orlando) filed CS/SB 904 in response to the death of Ocoee resident, Rosemary Pate, a woman who was killed by her abusive son.
Ms. Pate, who feared her son would hurt her, took out a restraining order against him and installed additional locks on her bedroom doors – none of which ultimately helped. She was later found stabbed to death by her son in that bedroom.
Members of the committee heard emotional testimony from Allison Flowers, Rosemary Pate’s sister. She told committee members that her sister was an outstanding member of the community, and encouraged legislative action to protect other parents. Thompson’s legislation would finally define parent abuse as domestic violence and provide enhanced penalties and reporting requirements.
“Rosemary Pate might have been here today if she had the protections provided by this bill,” said Thompson. “My hope is we can encourage victims to seek help for their situation and know that there are resources out there for them.”
The bill now goes to the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice for a hearing.
