Repeat violators of protective orders would face stiffer penalties under bill moving in legislature
Mary Ann Pratt testified in support of a bill that would increase penalties for repeat violations of a domestic violence protective order. Rep. James Tipton, R-Lawrenceburg, right, is sponsoring House Bill 38, Feb. 12, 2025. (LRC Public Information)
This story discusses domestic violence. If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also contact any of Kentucky's 15 domestic violence programs.
FRANKFORT — In 2022, Mary Ann Pratt woke to an attack from her now-ex-husband.
He beat her and threatened to kill her, she told members of the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee. He had a loaded gun next to him, she said.
Pratt eventually got free and called 911. Her attacker was arrested, and she obtained a protective order.
Despite that order, she said, he repeatedly violated it — both in-person and technologically. In one instance, she said, he sat outside her house in his ankle monitor, waiting for her.
'Tip of the iceberg:' Kentucky releases domestic violence data report
At one point, she said he told her 'he would kill me to the point that if I was reincarnated, I would come back as a f- – – ing abortion.'
Through tears, Pratt asked committee members to support a bill that would toughen penalties for violations of protective orders in Kentucky. Court documents show the case against her alleged attacker is ongoing and that that the charges against him include violation of a protective order.
Sponsored by Rep. James Tipton, R-Taylorsville, House Bill 38 would make it a Class D felony to violate a protective order on the third instance. It's currently a Class A misdemeanor, which is punishable by a year-long sentence. The felony could increase punishment to five years.
'No one should have to be worried about being constantly harassed,' Tipton told committee members, who unanimously approved his bill. 'No one should have to live in fear of being physically harmed or possibly killed.'
Some committee members questioned if current statutes on stalking would cover cases like Pratt's.
Minority Floor Leader Rep. Pamela Stevenson, D-Louisville, said 'whatever rules we have on the books are not working' and that Tipton's bill would just add a layer of protection.
'When does it stop? When do I get to actually sleep? And when will my voice and everyone else's voice be heard?' Pratt asked lawmakers through tears. 'That's why I came today. I wanted to show that I'm a person, and no one should live in fear every day. I have locks on my doors, I have alarms on my windows, I have multiple cameras up. … I carry a gun. I never thought I would be that person, but it's the only way I can see to save myself, if I have to.'
HB 38 can go to the House floor for a full chamber vote now, then, if it passes there, head to the Senate.
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